UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors meet in Athens to discuss cultural heritage

Athens hosted the first off-site meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors, bringing together international figures to discuss cultural heritage, education, and the impact of artificial intelligence on culture.

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas met with Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer who previously provided legal studies regarding the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures. During the meeting, Tasoulas emphasized that the reunification of the sculptures is a “magnificent move” rather than a matter of victory or defeat for the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held discussions with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany. The talks focused on the UNESCO80 reform initiative, Greece's active role in the organization, and the ongoing priority of reuniting the Parthenon Sculptures. Mitsotakis also highlighted recent Greek additions to the World Heritage List, including the Minoan Palatial Centers and the broader Olympus region.

The event included a high-profile discussion at the Temple of Olympian Zeus titled “Artificial Intelligence and Culture,” featuring Amal Clooney and UNESCO Ambassador Konstantza Sboko-Konstantopoulou. The gathering concluded with an official dinner at the Acropolis Museum to support the UNESCO Culture Fund and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.