12th International Summer University - 6-11 September, 2026 “GREEK LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND MEDIA”

• We are thrilled to announce that the Lemnian Association Dance Group has been officially invited to perform at the prestigious 12th International Summer University, held in Sydney from 6-11 September, 2026!
  
  Come out on September 10th and support our youth as they keep our culture and traditions alive through dance! Mark your calendars for our performance on Thursday, 10th September.
  
  We are honored to share the stage with other prominent local groups, including the Kogarah School of Greek Dance, the Cretan Association, Pontoxeniteas, the Pan-Macedonian Association, and the Kalymnian Association.
  
  This year’s theme will explore the teaching and promotion of the Greek language in diaspora communities, the impact of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence on education, the role of the media in preserving cultural identity, and the contemporary challenges facing Greeks living abroad.

  The six-day program will feature keynote lectures, thematic sessions, roundtable discussions and cultural events, with participation remaining free of charge and all sessions available via livestream.
  
  The Summer University is organised by the Social Issues, Media and Education Study Laboratory of the Early Childhood Education Department of the School of Education Sciences of the University of Ioannina in collaboration with the Hellenic Studies Program of the University of New South Wales and Unity in Philia and with the participation of:

  • Foundation for Hellenic Studies UNSW
  • AHEPA Sydney & NSW
  • International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis, Sydney Branch
  • a multitude of community organizations and institutions
  • Greek Applied Linguistics Association (GALA)
  • Southern California Library
  • The University of Chicago, Center for Hellenic Studies
    
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  Members of our Lemnian Dance Group
  
  
  It will be implemented through the Center for Education and Lifelong Learning (K.E.D.I.V.I.M.) of the University of Ioannina.
  
  The program is under the auspices of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Konstantinos A. Tasoulas. The program also has the support of the General Secretariat for Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  
  It is emphasized that the program has been integrated into the strategic plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Hellenes Abroad (2024-2027).

  The 12th International Summer University bears the special title:
  
  The Greek Language in Australia: from memory to the future

  Indicative topics:

  • The Greek Language in Australia: past, present and prospects
  • Greek language education in Australia
• • The role of communities, churches, organizations and associations in preserving the language
  • Innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching Greek
  • Digital technology and hybrid learning in Greek-speaking communities
  • Greek-language press, radio, television and digital media of the Greek diaspora
  • Collaborations between universities, communities and institutions to strengthen Greek-language education.

   
  Participations

  The event will feature messages and presentations from senior political, diplomatic and church leaders.
  
  Archbishop Makarios of Australia will deliver an address, while ministers from the Government of New South Wales and representatives of the state opposition are also expected to participate.
  
  Speakers will include former Greek President Prokopios Pavlopoulos, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos and Secretary General for Greeks Abroad Maira Myrogianni.

  Invitations have also been extended to Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos, Consul-General in Sydney Georgios Skemperis and Consul-General in Adelaide Alexandra Theodoropoulou.

  The Rector of the University of Ioannina, Anna Batsitatou, will also address participants.

  The conference will be hosted at the Rex Vowels Theatre at UNSW Sydney and is expected to attract around 100 academics, researchers, educators, journalists and representatives of diaspora organisations.

  The program will be offered free of charge. It is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD students, teachers, journalists, and also accepts a percentage of professionals who have similar interests, in the context of lifelong learning. The program offers certificates of participation and educational materials to participants.