Days ago, a conference organized by the Greek branch of "Doctors of the World" took place in Greece. The event marked 35 years of humanitarian work, bringing together leading figures in the field to discuss contemporary challenges and trends in international humanitarian efforts.
Exchange of Experience and Discussion of Problems
The conference aimed to promote the exchange of experience and activate the debate on humanitarian activity today. It brought together representatives of state institutions, medical circles, the academic community, civil society organizations, corporate social responsibility, and front-line journalists, as well as an audience actively supporting social initiatives.
Within six thematic sessions, current issues concerning the shaping of the contemporary humanitarian landscape were presented and discussed. The speakers emphasized the need for a social alliance to strengthen the social infrastructure at local and international levels. The shrinking of humanitarian space and the parallel reduction of international humanitarian funding, which triggers chain reactions, were noted. Every crisis shapes policies and collective actions to address future challenges.
Particular attention was paid to the redirection of financial initiatives to support the third sector, with an emphasis on efficiency and transparency, for the benefit of local development and progress. Discussions on international cooperation and corporate social responsibility, taking on an international dimension, through the prism of a single health, with the aim of supporting the most vulnerable groups of the population, were essential.
Optimism Despite Challenges
During the discussions, there was no lack of concerns about the ongoing global crises and the lack of sufficiently impactful measures by international figures and institutions in places where people are suffering. Nevertheless, it was emphasized that the optimism that characterized the humanitarian sphere three decades ago could be restored, guided by humanitarian principles and international law, with the aim of changing perspectives at an international level.
The Role of Volunteering and Young People
The conference also gave space to volunteering, which is at the heart of civil society activities, as well as a platform for the student community to speak about its active role, developing significant initiatives focused on people and their needs.
Finally, in an extremely informative photographic and narrative "walk" through regions of humanitarian crisis today, prominent photojournalists shared their views on the future of humanitarian communication, the use of artificial intelligence and the danger of the spread of fake news, based on their long experience in the field.
Tribute to the Founder
The conference, marking 35 years since the establishment of "Doctors of the World" in Greece, also included a special session in memory of the organization's founder - Theophilos Rosenberg. Sympathizers, friends and colleagues honored the academic, scientist, humanist, who inspires and continues to lead, with his innovative vision, tireless activity and the significant legacy he left to all who were his students, companions and recipients of the care of a true doctor of the world, with warm words.
"The conference gave us the opportunity to start a public dialogue for joint and coordinated actions in response to the challenges facing the humanitarian sphere today. "Doctors of the World" has gone through 35 years, sticking to the person in need - and this is something we learned from our founder, Theophilos Rosenberg: always be on the front lines," said the general director of "Doctors of the World", Evgenia Tanu.
The two-day conference took place on November 21 and 22 under the auspices of the Greek Parliament, with the kind support of the "Stelios" Foundation.
In these difficult times, when humanitarian crises seem to be increasing, not decreasing, will this conference and its subsequent actions be able to change the perspectives of those in need? We will have to see.