UNICEF and the University of the Peloponnese signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen children's rights

ATHENS/ANTIKALAMOS MESSINIA 17/3/2025- A Memorandum of Understanding between the University of the Peloponnese and UNICEF was signed by the Rector Professor Athanasios Katsis and the UNICEF Representative in Greece, Ghassan Khalil, at the University of the Peloponnese Events Hall, on the Antikalamos Campus.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding seals the cooperation of the University with UNICEF, which began a year ago at the initiative of the Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs, International Relations and Outreach of the University of the Peloponnese, Professor Efthalia Chatzigianni. The aim of the cooperation is to institutionalize the Rights of the Child at all levels (living, education, development) at local and national levels, through the development of joint actions with all appropriate means and methods (such as special seminars, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the curricula of the University of the Peloponnese, workshops, conferences and public awareness campaigns). The cooperation will focus on areas related to the protection of children and include themes such as zero poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, peace, justice and strong institutions.

During the event, the objectives of the Centre for Combating Obesity were also highlighted, which is part of the National Action to Combat Obesity, implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF and is composed of professionals from the fields of health and nutrition from the University of the Peloponnese and other academic institutions in Greece and abroad. The aim of the Centre's operation is to reduce childhood obesity through coordinated information and mobilization actions of all social actors.

UNICEF Representative in Greece Ghassan Khalil stated regarding the signing of the Memorandum: “We are particularly happy about the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese, which will play a key role in raising awareness among the academic community and the wider local community and, by extension, in ensuring the rights of every child in the Peloponnese Region and nationwide."

The Rector of the University, Professor Athanasios Katsis, stated regarding the signing of the Memorandum: “We are particularly proud of the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese. The collaboration with UNICEF is of strategic importance for the University of the Peloponnese and aims to take initiatives and organize actions to highlight and address the problems faced by children, who constitute the most sensitive and vulnerable part of our society. We intend to take relevant initiatives, to an even greater extent, on these issues, with the aim of informing the local community in collaboration with UNICEF and local bodies.” The Rector thanked the Senate, and those who, with their actions, made the conclusion of the Memorandum possible.

The Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs, International Relations and Outreach of the University, Professor Efthalia Chatzigianni, welcomed Ghassan Khalil to the University of the Peloponnese, and expressed her sincere satisfaction for the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding with the UNICEF Greece Country Office and the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese. The Vice-Rector noted, among other things, that: “The establishment of the Child Rights Centre is another step in the outreach of our university, with a significant impact on the academic community and the wider society.”

The event was also welcomed by the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Food, Professor Dimitrios Petropoulos and the Dean of the School of Management, Assoc. Prof. Odysseas Spiliopoulos, who with different approaches focused on the central role of Academics in promoting the rights of the child, who with the cooperation of all stakeholders, can shape a better future for future generations.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of the Regional Government of Messinia, Mr. Anastasopoulos Efstathios, the Deputy Mayor of Education, KDAP and Municipal Property, of the Kalamata City Hall, Mr. Favas Georgios, Deans, Presidents, faculty members as well as students and many members of the university community. Following the signing of the Memorandum, UNICEF Representative in Greece, Ghassan Khalil, gave a speech entitled: “The role of Academia in promoting Child Rights”.