Research, training and digital networking
The second quarter of 2026 marks a particularly dynamic period for the Social Inclusion Observatory of the South Aegean Region, with activities combining scientific documentation, training of social services, and digital empowerment of Civil Society across the islands.
In the area of digital networking, the Observatory launched the Social Ecosystem, a new digital platform bringing together associations, unions, NGOs, Social Cooperative Enterprises (KoinSEp), and Civil Society organizations from all the islands of the Region. Through the platform, organizations can create their profiles, publish their activities and events, and connect with other bodies, overcoming barriers such as insularity. The platform is organized into 8 thematic sections — ranging from Blood Donation and Health to Culture, the Environment, and Youth Associations — while registration remains open and free of charge for any interested organization. – Learn more about the Social Ecosystem: http://socialobservatory.pnai.gov.gr/hub/
In the field of research, the Observatory published the Annual Regional Survey on Income and Living Conditions for 2025, for the sixth consecutive year. The survey presents key economic, social, and demographic indicators for the Region’s population, analyzing their changes over the period 2020–2025, and includes a special thematic section on sustainable development on the islands. Its aim is to serve as a useful tool for designing effective social policies, while its findings are published openly and used both to inform citizens and organizations and to plan the Observatory’s upcoming activities.
As part of its training activities, on 10 June 2026, the Online Thematic Workshop on “Gender-Based Violence: Recognition, Support, and Service Coordination within the Community” was held with broad participation. The event was attended by representatives and staff from Social Services, Regional Structures, and Community Centers. The keynote speaker was Mr. Alexandros Oikonomou, President of the European Network of Active Living for Mental Health (ENALMH), who explored the multidimensional phenomenon of gender-based violence, analyzing its social roots, the importance of prevention, and the need for coordinated linkage among specialized agencies. The workshop concluded with an exchange of experiences among participants and proposals for future collaborations.
In parallel, the Observatory launched its 2026 Field Surveys across all municipalities of the South Aegean, aiming to map social inclusion conditions and identify vulnerability points affecting residents’ quality of life. In the first phase, currently underway, staff from Social Services and Community Centers are invited to complete an online questionnaire. In a second phase, visits will take place in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, with interviews conducted among social benefit recipients, staff of social protection structures, associations, and organizations.
In summary, the initiatives of the second quarter reflect the Observatory’s strategic direction:
- connecting research with practice,
- strengthening social services through targeted training, and
- networking Civil Society through modern digital tools.
Through these activities, the Observatory continues to reinforce its role as a key pillar of support for island communities, contributing to the shaping of a more inclusive and sustainable future for the South Aegean.
The Social Inclusion Observatory of the South Aegean continues to work with consistency and determination, developing new initiatives, broadening its collaborations, and investing in research and innovation to support island communities. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives and follow us to keep up with all developments.
Stay tuned for the Observatory’s activities: https://socialobservatory.pnai.gov.gr/
