Participation of Dimitris Avramopoulos in the Council on International Relations event at the Laskaridis Foundation, 30/7/2025

 

 

Speaker at the Council on International Relations event at the Laskaridis Foundation, on the theme “Megacities in World Disorder,” together with Lola Woetzel, Senior Partner at McKinsey. I had the opportunity to discuss the role of modern megacities in a world of uncertainty, where cities are emerging as key pillars of stability, innovation, and democratic renewal.

At a time when institutions are being tested by geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, pandemics, and migration flows, megacities are on the front line.

Not only because they are directly affected, but also because they have the means to adapt, cooperate, and innovate—closer to citizens’ needs, more agile, and better able to deliver immediate, tangible solutions.

Experience shows that when cities are empowered—institutionally and financially—they can act as catalysts for change.

If we want to restore trust in institutions and strengthen democracy, we may once again need to start from the city.

I was also pleased to meet Chinese students from Tsinghua University, who recently visited our country, as well as academics from Tsinghua University’s Schwarzman College—a shining example of how education and intercultural exchange can contribute to a more connected world.