Dr. Eleftheria Ftaklaki, head of the International Relations Department at the Special Secretariat for Strategic Foresight, part of the Presidency of the Government, spoke on “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on Voice of Greece.
Following her presentation at the 17th Panhellenic Conference of Small Islands, held on the Heroic Island of Kasos and covered by Voice of Greece, Ftaklaki discussed the risks facing Greece’s small islands.
“Our islands face two main threats: the climate crisis and, of course, demographic challenges. I am leaving geopolitical issues aside, as they are beyond the scope of this discussion, and focusing on matters that ultimately concern people themselves—how they live and coexist on these islands.”
Ftaklaki also spoke about young people and their hopes for a better future in their home communities.
“Going forward, I would suggest that the state and local authorities in small municipalities and on small islands offer incentives to young people who have studied or trained in a field they know well, encouraging them to return home and build these islands’ future with the new tools, knowledge, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm they bring. As a state, we must give them incentives so they can raise families and build careers in their home communities.”