Sarantopoulos Chairs Key Sessions at First World Conference on ‘Smart’ Islands

 

By Anthi Kalomiri

Dr. Athanasios Sarantopoulos, professor in the Business and Technology department at Webster Athens, participated in and chaired selected sessions at the 1st World Conference on ‘Smart’ Islands, held on the Greek island of Pserimos. Sarantopoulos, who serves as Secretary of the Presidium of the Euro–Mediterranean Academy of Arts and Sciences (EMAAS) and is a member of the Executive Council of the International Hellenic Association (IHA), led discussions on critical issues such as “Education and Medical Care” and “Water Shortage in the Greek Islands.”

The event was co-organized by the IHA, the municipalities of Vari/Voula/Vouliagmeni, Kalymnos, and Kifissia, with the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) placing it under its auspices. The conference built upon the European Union’s 2018 initiative to transform Greek islands into ‘smart’ islands by promoting sustainable energy, tourism and local development.

The IHA is a nonprofit, non-governmental and nonpartisan organization based in Delaware, U.S. It is dedicated to supporting Greece and Hellenism in national and cultural affairs.

EMAAS is a worldwide academy, ensuring a high-quality research experience by ballot selected academicians that transform sciences for global and individual excellence. Its members include Webster University President Julian Z. Schuster, Webster Athens Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos, Vice-Rector and Professor Susie Michailidis, and Professor Athanasios D. Sarantopoulos.

A Critical Moment for Greek Island Resilience

The discussions at the Smart Island Conference on Pserimos underscored the importance of innovative solutions for emergency preparedness, smart resource management and environmental sustainability.

Government officials, local leaders and islanders, mayors and academics attended the two-day conference held outside Pserimos School.

Sarantopoulos emphasized that technological advancements and policy initiatives can play a vital role in helping Greek islands navigate natural challenges.

“The Smart Island Initiative is not just about digital transformation; it’s about ensuring that every Greek island, regardless of size or remoteness, can leverage smart solutions to address critical challenges such as water shortages, energy efficiency, healthcare and education.”

The Role of Smart Islands in Strengthening Local Communities

The Smart Initiative is a bottom-up effort of European island authorities and communities. It builds on years of collaboration between European islands and seeks to convey the significant potential of islands to function as laboratories for technological, social, environmental, economic and political innovation.

The Network of Sustainable Greek Islands – DAFNI, with 44 island local and regional authorities from Greece as members, currently coordinates the Smart Islands Initiative. 
Discussions featured high-profile speakers, including government officials, mayors and academics, covering topics such as renewable energy, digital services and island governance. The event was attended both in person and virtually, with online broadcasting through multiple platforms.

Pserimos and the Smart Island Initiative

Pserimos, a small Greek island in the Dodecanese chain, is located between Kalymnos and Kos. It is one of Greece’s remote islands, forming part of the municipality of Kalymnos. As one of Greece’s 6,000 islands (227 of which are inhabited), Pserimos is among the 2,200 inhabited islands in Europe.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

“The 1st World Conference on ‘Smart’ Islands was a pivotal step in advancing the Smart Island Initiative, building on the EU’s vision to transform Greek islands into sustainable, technology-driven communities,” said Sarantopoulos.

“By fostering partnerships between scientific institutions, industry leaders and local municipalities, we can implement practical, scalable solutions that enhance the quality of life for islanders. Our goal is to create self-sufficient, resilient island communities where residents thrive, businesses grow and traditional ways of life are preserved while embracing the benefits of modernization.”

Sarantopoulos currently works in the Division of Climatology and Applications at the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY). He has contributed to major scientific projects and the expansion of EMY’s practical training programs. Sarantopoulos also served as secretary of the AHEPA Digital Medical Library, and played a significant role in the construction of the Evangelismos Hospital of Athens Medical Library.

Reopening of Pserimos’ School After 14 Years

The IHA played a crucial role in the renovation and reopening of Pserimos’ school after 14 years of closure. The school, which closed in 2009, officially reopened on Sept. 3, 2023, marking a significant step in revitalizing the island. The project was a collaborative effort involving the International Hellenic Association, the Municipality of Kalymnos, government offices and the Citizen Association of Pserimos.

About Webster Athens

Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world.

Webster Athens provides unique academic experiences, allowing students to explore ancient and Medieval/Byzantine sites, visit Ionian and Aegean islands, and participate in community learning and service opportunities, playing a critical role in enhancing education, research and student engagement across Greek islands.

The recent seismic activity in the Aegean presents an opportunity for scientific research and academic inquiry, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary study on geological, environmental and infrastructural resilience.

Webster Athens faculty are committed to fostering innovative academic experiences that prepare students to contribute meaningfully to island sustainability and resilience efforts.

Recent Aegean Seismic Events

The recent earthquakes near Santorini highlight the importance of innovations discussed at the 1st World Conference on ‘Smart’ Islands. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, smart infrastructure and emergency preparedness initiatives, Greek islands can strengthen their resilience in the face of natural challenges.

Webster Athens remains committed to supporting research, collaboration and education that enhance sustainability, safety and quality of life across the region and Greek archipelago.