In an emblematic and highly symbolic location, under the sacred Rock of the Acropolis, in the Acropolis Museum, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias presented, on April 26, 2023, Greece’s candidacy for an elected seat at the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-26.
The aim of the event, in addition to informing the representatives of foreign embassies in Greece, was to spread the messages and priorities of Greece’s candidacy to the Greek public opinion.
“In a place that highlights in the proudest way the universality of the messages of ancient Greece and reflects the dynamism and achievements of modern Greece”, as pointed out in his keynote speech, Foreign Minister Dendias presented the symbol and slogan of the Greek candidacy, as well as the priorities of Greece as an aspiring member of the UNSC.
The olive tree/olive branch, the symbol of the Greek candidacy, is the symbol of peace and wisdom. It is the mythical gift of the goddess Athena to the city of Athens, which was actually presented at the Sacred Rock, during the contest with Poseidon to determine which of the gods would protect the city. Later, the olive branch also became the symbol of the Olympic Truce, during the ancient Olympic Games, when all hostilities ceased.
The Minister underlined the universality and timelessness of the values of Dialogue, Diplomacy, Democracy, the triptych of Greek words chosen as the central slogan of the candidacy. And he presented the 6 main priorities of the Greek candidacy: a) the peaceful settlement of disputes, b) the respect for International Law, the rules and principles of the United Nations Charter, c) the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, d) climate change and security, e) children in armed conflict and f) maritime security.
As a founding member of the United Nations, Greece is a firm and warm supporter of the Organization’s principles and values. The main objective of the Greek term in the Security Council will be to strengthen efforts to maintain peace, Mr. Dendias emphasized.
The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, a number of Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic authorities in Athens, academics and representatives from the fields of politics and culture and among them, the Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award of the United Nations for 2020, Marianna Vardinogianni.
Read here the full speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias.
