A bunch of Greek lawyers from across the world came together for the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers. The summit was opened by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, at the Acropolis Museum last Monday.
Organised by the Plenary of the Greek Bar Association in collaboration with the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York, the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, and the Cyprus Bar Association, the summit’s theme was,Safeguarding Democracy, Rule of Law and Justice: Global Challenges and the Role of AI.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, prominent Melbourne-based lawyer Yannis Tripidakis confirmed strong participation from Greek Australian legal professionals, alongside peers from Greece, the U.S., and Cyprus.
Tasoulas praised the summit as an initiative uniting Hellenic legal minds to defend democratic institutions amid global transitions.
He called on all to embrace AI as a tool to enhance civic participation, while cautioning against its overreach.
“Artificial Intelligence can strengthen democracy, but it is vital to keep the human being at the centre of public action.”
The Greek Justice Minister Floridis, also speaking, expressed hope the summit would become a lasting institution of democratic reflection. Another key leader at the summit, Cypriot Minister Hartsiotis emphasised the summit’s role in “expanding the global reach of Hellenic legal thought and fostering cooperation among lawyers”.
Athens’ Mayor Haris Doukas rose to speak and reflected on the symbolism of the summit’s location.
“Your conference is taking place at a time when I dare say that our democracy is under attack.”
Australia’s Ambassador Duncan reiterated the importance of international legal solidarity in the face of technological and geopolitical upheaval.
“We must all come together to defend the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.”
The three-day summit continues at the Athens Concert Hall, where participants explore the intersection of justice and emerging technologies, and the role of Greek legal communities in shaping global discourse.
Opening remarks were delivered by key political and legal figures, including:
Konstantinos Tasoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, Giorgos Floridis, Greek Minister of Justice, Ioannis Loverdos, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Marios Hartsiotis, Cypriot Minister of Justice, Alison Duncan, Australian Ambassador to Greece, Joseph Tsalanidis, President of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, George Zapantis, President of the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York and Michalis Vorkas, President of the Cyprus Bar Association
