On Friday, 5 April 2025, the first face-to-face networking meeting of the eleven (11) Child Rights Centers in Greece was held in Patras. These Centers have been established by the UNICEF Office in Greece, in collaboration with the University of the Peloponnese, University of Patras, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University of Thrace, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Crete, University of Thessaly, International Hellenic University, Hellenic Mediterranean University, University of Ioannina and University of Western Macedonia.
The meeting was organized by the UNICEF Office in Greece as part of its efforts to strengthen collaboration among academic institutions for the promotion of children's rights.
The University of the Peloponnese participated in the meeting, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF. The University was represented by its Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs, International Relations, and Outreach, Professor Efthalia Chatzigianni.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of information regarding the operation of the Child Rights Centers, as well as their prospects and potential.
Discussions also focused on the upcoming Conference titled “The Role of the Academic Community in Promoting Children's Rights”, which will be hosted by the University of Patras on 6–7 June 2025.
The event was welcomed by the Rector of the University of Patras, Professor Christos Bouras, and UNICEF’s Diplomatic Representative in Greece, Dr. Ghassan Khalil, both of whom emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation between UNICEF and the academic community in advancing children’s rights.
The participation of the University of the Peloponnese in this important initiative reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its outreach and contributing meaningfully to addressing socially sensitive issues.
