1st WORLD SMART ISLAND CONFERENCE PSERIMO 2024
On 4th and 5th September, the First World Conference for Smart Islands was held on the small border island of Pserimos near Kalymnos and Kos. The Conference was organized by the International Hellenic Association (IHA), the Municipality of Kalymnos, the Municipality of Vari – Voula – Vouliagmeni and the Municipality of Kifisia. It took place under the trees in the grounds of the Primary School of Pserimos, which had been renovated by IHA the previous year through donations and funding by its members.
The aim of the Conference was to highlight the needs of the inhabitants and the importance of the small border islands such asPserimo. In this way, the smallborder islands will not be deserted,and the residents will return to their homes. Other people may also be interested in making a new start on such an island. At present, on the island of Pserimothere are approximately 20 inhabitants compared to 350 in the past. This can be said of most small border islands.
Besides a governmentrepresentative, former Ministers were also present. The mayors from six Municipalities (Kalymnos, Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Kyfisia, Astypalea, Halki and Lemnos) were also there as well as representatives from various companies for such things as solar panels, street lighting, electrical chargers for cars, desalination of water, rubbish disposal, etc. Representatives from the Greeks of the diaspora were there giving their support and input. The three young children that attended the school in the previous year were awarded a medal and a monetary amount by IHA to cover the needs of the new school year. Besides the renovation of the school last year by IHA, two new playground areas have been offered and installed next to the school. During the conference a donation of an outdoor theatre was made. This will be a meeting point for the residents as well as for the presentation of cultural activities.
The conference was recorded and can be seen using the following link.
A wonderful buffet was offered by the Greek-Australian owner of the new hotel made up of small stone-built houses next to the swimming pool and delicious lunches at one of the local taverns on both days of the conference sponsored by IHA.
The International Hellenic Association will complete the projects that it has undertaken on the island of Pserimos, while at the same time beginning the organization of the 2ndWorld SMART ISLAND Conference once a decision has been made on the choice of the small border island.
Warm thanks to all the WIGS members who donated towards this cause. If anyone would like to donate towards the development of the small border islands, please contact me on 6979 788196.
Despena Dalmaris