Citizens of Greek origin live today in more than 140 countries around the world. They are an active and dynamic element of their new countries as well as of Hellenism. Historical memory of the first immigrants is preserved by the next generations while today’s immigrants, students, businessmen, academics, politicians, artists, scholars, are thriving everywhere. Today, this vibrant part of Hellenism can contribute substantially to the future of Greece and of the Greek nation by offering its opinions, its active participation and its valuable assistance. Greeks abroad and citizens of Greek origin constitute a pool from which Greece can draw invaluable resources to shape a common future for Hellenism in the 21st century. They are bridges of inter-cultural dialogue and international cooperation.
The ecumenical dimension of Greek civilization makes Greeks abroad citizens of the world. Every man that shares a Greek education should be considered as Greek.
During the last decades Greece and especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has warmly embraced the Greek Diaspora. It has transformed traditional bonds into institutions, trying to guide the existing cooperation to new productive paths. This constitutes the contribution of the Greek State to the needs of modern times. It is an effort aiming at re-defining the role and the future of Hellenism of the Diaspora at the beginning of the 21st century.
It is with imagination and effectiveness that this challenge is dealt with, by improving the international position of Greece, by strengthening the importance of the Diaspora Greeks in the societies where they live and by promoting international cooperation. Diaspora is the other half of Hellenism. It is half of Greece’s heart, perceiving the concerns and enjoying the successes of all Greeks living abroad. It helps them decisively in preserving and promoting their cultural identity, both in Greece and in the world.
The Greek Government is conscious of its responsibility and the needs of a modern foreign policy. At the same time it considers it as an obligation to present abroad an image of Greece that corresponds to present day realities.
Greece is endowed with an invaluable resource, its culture. In the new world order of open frontiers, trans-national cooperation, and large population movements, the need for immediate and constant information is imperative.
Under these circumstances, current migration movements and the role of a nation’s Diaspora are much more important than the ones witnessed by Greeks abroad up to now. These population groups carry with them their cultural heritage and at the same time adopt elements from the cultures of their new homes. That is why they enrich both their society of origin as well as the society of their new home.
The vision of a powerful Greek society of the future is being built upon strong traditional Greek values and enriched with new elements. It is based on the principles of tolerance, dialogue, respect for differences of culture. In this context, the contribution of the Greek Diaspora is essential.
Today it is considered important for a nation to be able to put into use the presence of its Diaspora in its effort to become more active in the world.
In this context, the role of Greeks abroad is important in defending Greek national interests, but also in forming a bridge of friendship and cooperation with the countries where they live.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports programmes and actions in the fields of education, culture, etc. for all Greeks living abroad, especially those who are facing adversities, like the ones living in ex-Soviet Union countries. In this context, the role of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad is very important. It shapes and carries out activities in order to implement the overall government strategy for the Diaspora, decided in 1983.
The primary goals of the General Secretariat are the preservation of national and cultural identity of Greeks all over the world, the strengthening of ties among them and with their country of origin and the unhindered reintegration into the Greek society of those who return to their homeland.
Another important institution is the Council of Greeks Abroad, mentioned by the Greek Constitution. It expresses the wishes and aspirations of the Greeks of the Diaspora, proposes solutions to their problems, and it is the main instrument of cooperation and dialogue with the Greek State.
The multi-faceted Ecumenical Hellenism, thriving in more than 140 countries, is the best guarantee that the Greek nation will have a saying and a bright future in the 21st century.
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