Welcome to
Symi Symposium
The Symi Symposium is an annual gathering of global thinkers following the tradition of Ancient Greek philosophers
The 27th International Symi Symposium
July 13 - 17, 2025 | Skiathos, Greece
“Pandora’s Paradox: Discovering Hope in a Turbulent World. Cultivating Peace, Democracy, and
Resilient Societies.”
Dear Symi friends
Welcome to the 27th Symi Symposium, taking place from 13–17 July 2025 on the serene island of Skiathos, Greece. This year’s Symposium is held under the theme:
“Pandora’s Paradox: Discovering Hope in a Turbulent World. Cultivating Peace, Democracy, and Resilient Societies.”
The Symi Symposium brings together global thought leaders, visionary decision-makers, renowned academics, grassroots activists, and change-makers. Together, we analyze current and future challenges and explore transformative solutions.
For over 25 years, the Symi Symposium has been a platform for progressive thought and collaboration among diverse stakeholders from politics, business, academia, civil society, and culture. Through continuous discourse, it has nurtured groundbreaking ideas, forged lasting networks, and driven meaningful action.
When we first met on the island of Symi more than a quarter of a century ago, the world was optimistic and confident in a better future for humanity. The Symposium became a crucible of ideas for peaceful cooperation, de-militarization, sustainable development, equitable societies, democracy, and human rights. These values were seen as the essential foundations of our collective future.
Next summer’s Symposium will convene in a far more turbulent context, where these very principles face existential threats. As the world grapples with increasingly interconnected crises, we aim to reimagine governance—locally and globally—so that it serves democracy, peace, and climate solidarity. Our discussions will focus on how to channel our immense capacities to serve society at large rather than entrenched power structures.
For more information, please contact us: symisecretariat@gmail.com
f. Prime Minister of Greece – Founder of the Symi Symposium
Our History
The Symi Symposium is an annual gathering of global thinkers following the tradition of Ancient Greek philosophers.
It brings together like-minded individuals from different backgrounds, leading intellectuals, politicians, Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, diplomats, scientists, and activists
to discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time. It was first held in 1998, on the island of Symi, which has lent its name to the Symposium ever since.
Past Locations
2024 Samos • 2023 Crete • 2022 Lagonisi • 2021 Lagonisi • 2020 Lagonisi • 2019 Crete • 2018 Rhodes • 2017 Crete • 2016 Kos • 2015 Corfu • 2014 Spetses • 2012 Samos • 2010 Poros • 2009 Sklathos • 2008 Ouranoupolis • 2007 Paros • 2006 Samos • 2005 Crete • 2004 Spetses • 2003 Kos • 2002 Samos • 2001 Olympia • 2000 Spetses • 1999 Corfu • 1998 Symi
Our goal is to initiate and nurture spirited deliberation in a discreet setting,
while giving participants the opportunity to learn from each other
in a more personal and substantive way.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 27th Symi Symposium, taking place from 13–17 July 2025 on the serene island …
Στην κάμερα της ΕΡΤ μίλησε ο πρόεδρος του Ιδρύματος Ανδρέας Παπανδρέου και πρώην πρωθυπουργός, Γιώργος Α. Παπανδρέου, κατά τη διάρκεια της τελετής …
Τις εργασίες του 26ου Διεθνούς Συμποσίου της Σύμης εγκαινίασε ο πρώην Πρωθυπουργός και Πρόεδρος του ΙΑΠ, Γιώργος Α. Παπανδρέου, το Σάββατο 29 …
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