the World Economic Forum (WEF)
I’m traveling through Europe this week before going to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In the coming weeks, I will be interviewing and speaking to many global influencers who are leading and shaping the future, who will be on the Forum and write about our conversations here.
I’m in Greece this week to talk with Irene Vantaraki, founder and president of Greek House Davos and CEO of AVADAR TRANSATLANTIC, a government affairs advisory and business consultancy with offices in Athens and New York.
To begin with, Greek House Davos is an independent, impartial and non-profit initiative that aims to strengthen Greece’s presence at the World Economic Forum through an informed debate on Greece’s role in the world and the benefits of Greece as an investment destination to improve.
I asked Irene several questions about why she pushed so hard to create this presence for Greece at the World Economic Forum.
Why was it essential for you to give Greece a more viable and prominent role in the World Economic Forum (WEF)? What are the benefits for Greece of attending the World Economic Forum?
There are several reasons why Greece should be present at the World Economic Forum (WEF). I felt this was a critical mission as I have seen firsthand how companies and leaders can benefit from participating in such events. The WEF is first and foremost an important platform for global economic cooperation and dialogue. Participating in the WEF gives Greek leaders in business and politics the opportunity to engage with other countries and stakeholders on a wide range of economic issues, including trade, investment and economic development. This could help Greece build stronger relations with other countries and advance its economic interests on the global stage.
In addition, participation in the WEF would give Greece access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries. This could help Greek leaders better understand the global economic environment and develop strategies to address the challenges and opportunities. Overall, participation in the WEF would provide Greece with a valuable opportunity to engage with the global economic community and advance its economic interests.
What are the benefits for companies in Greece?
First, the WEF provides a platform for companies to connect with various stakeholders, including other companies, governments and international organizations. This can help companies build relationships, form partnerships and explore new opportunities for growth and development. Second, the WEF is a source of knowledge and expertise, with a series of sessions and workshops focused on critical issues facing global business. This will help companies in Greece to keep abreast of the latest trends and best practices and gain insight into new markets and technologies. Finally, participation in the WEF can help companies in Greece raise their profile and visibility on the global stage, potentially attracting new clients and investors. Overall, the WEF is an important event for businesses in Greece, offering valuable opportunities for engagement, learning and growth.
What do you hope will come out of Forum this year?
Greek House Davos is a platform for multi-stakeholder ideas and dialogue, bringing together decision-makers, business leaders and influential foundations and organizations within and outside Europe to promote the Greek brand and attract more long-term investment. I believe that our presence and the program we have put together underline these goals and will help our companies forge connections and partnerships to benefit the country and our people. I also hope others around the world see what a great place Greece is and what a great place to do business.
Tell us about the program you created this year.
This year we are grateful that the Prime Minister of Greece and other heads of state are visiting us at the annual meeting. But the agenda and discussions that will take place are the most critical. All our panels and lectures are built on three pillars: innovation, energy and tourism. We will have essential discussions on green energy, sustainable tourism, security, new technology, digital transformation, global banking, global recession, green shipping, healthcare, food security and more.
My conclusion from this conversation is that Irene is passionate about helping Greek companies gain greater access to the global business community. Davos is a place to build relationships and close deals. Looking at the lineup of speakers and talks, Irene and the team at Greek House Davos have created a valuable platform that Greek businesses will benefit from.
Stay tuned for more news from Davos.