On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the 1st National Conference of Regional Social Inclusion Observatories was successfully held, organized by the South Aegean Observatory, attracting significant interest from officials and organizations from across Greece.
The conference focused on two main themes: Accessibility and Employment Inclusion. Participants had the opportunity to express their concerns and questions, exchange views, and highlight best practices, contributing to the development of policies aimed at improving the coordination and functioning of the Observatories.
Opening Greetings
The opening of the conference included brief greetings from:
Political Leadership of the Regions:
- George Chatzimarkos, Regional Governor of South Aegean (written message)
- Michail-Anthimos Dissos, Deputy Governor of North Aegean
- Theodoros Kontzialis, Deputy Governor of North Aegean
- Representatives of Social Inclusion Observatories from various Regions of Greece, as well as from the support company Crowdpolicy and the Association of Social Workers of Greece.
Next, Mr. Eric Gazon, Expert Scientist at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, made a proposal on the experiences and challenges in the implementation of the legal framework for social inclusion.
1st Thematic Session: Accessibility
The first thematic session focused on accessibility and included speeches and presentations by:
- Evangelia Tsakiti, South Aegean Observatory (Exelixis): ‘Accessibility in the South Aegean and Best Practices.’
- Afroditi-Maria Tsidimi & Marilena Fotiou, North Aegean Observatory: ‘Recording Gaps and Best Practices for Accessibility of People with Disabilities.’
- Maria Alexaki, Andros Health Center: ‘Comprehensive Psychogeriatric Support Intervention for Remote Areas.’
- Angeliki Romaiou, Ionian Islands Region: ‘Accessibility in the Ionian Islands Region.’
- Kyriaki Kyritsi, South Aegean Observatory: ‘Smart Cities and Accessibility.’
- George Karamanolis (Crowdpolicy): ‘Digital Tools and Governance’
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where concerns and proposed solutions at the local, social, and national levels were highlighted.
2nd Thematic Session: Employment Inclusion
The second thematic session focused on employment inclusion, with presentations from:
- Theodora Symeonoglou, South Aegean Observatory: ‘The Gender Dimension in Employment Inclusion & Findings from Field Research.’
- Dimitris Panopoulos, Ministry of Labour: Presentation of the Labour Market Needs Diagnosis Mechanism (mdaae.gr) and Rebrain Greece (platform.rebraingreece.gr)
- Ioannis Psycharis, Panteion University: ‘Demographic Issues and Prospects for Social Integration and Regional Development.’
The conference concluded with an interactive discussion, where concerns and policy proposals for social inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development were recorded.
Commitment for the Future
The South Aegean Social Inclusion Observatory is committed to continuing the organization of actions that strengthen collaboration between agencies and social policy and innovation officials.
The conference was implemented as part of the dissemination and communication actions of the South Aegean Social Inclusion Observatory, with the support of Crowdpolicy.
More Information:
- South Aegean Social Inclusion Observatory: socialobservatory.pnai.gov.gr
- Crowdpolicy: crowdpolicy.com
