Home Community EMBCA Presents “3rd Ioannis Kapodistrias Forum” Webinar Discussion, Feb. 9

EMBCA Presents “3rd Ioannis Kapodistrias Forum” Webinar Discussion, Feb. 9

NEW YORK, NY –

The East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance/EMBCA presents its “3rd Ioannis Kapodistrias Forum, on his Anniversary” Webinar Panel Discussion on Sunday, February, 9, 2025 at 2 P.M. EST/ 9 P.M. Athens EEST.

The event will be introduced and moderated by Lou Katsos, EMBCA’s President /Founder. The panel will include Dr. Meletis E. Meletopoulos; Peter Stavrianidis, PhD; Award Winning Film Director / Screenwriter Giannis Smaragdis who is preparing a national film on the life and work of Ioannis Kapodistrias; and Jimmy DeMetro, President Emeritus of The Hellenic Film Society USA.

“3rd Ioannis Kapodistrias Forum, on his Anniversary” Webinar Panel Discussion

“Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776- 1831) remains one of Hellas’s most revered figures, celebrated for his dedication to diplomacy, governance, and efforts in shaping the modern Hellenic state”, notes Lou Katsos inviting the Omogeneia to join the webinar panelists “as we honor this great international statesman on the Anniversary of his birth and discuss the upcoming national film on his life, commemorating his lasting impact on Hellas”.

“Born in Corfu under Venetian rule, Kapodistrias was educated in law and medicine, later excelling as a diplomat. His political career began in the Ionian Islands, where he gained experience under French and British rule, honing his administrative and diplomatic skills. He rose to international prominence as Russia’s Foreign Minister, playing a key role in the Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna (1814- 1815). His advocacy for French unity shaped postwar Europe, though France has yet to properly honor him”.

“After leaving Russia, Kapodistrias settled in Geneva, contributing to Swiss constitutional development before turning his focus to Hellenic independence. His diplomatic efforts culminated in the Protocol of St. Petersburg (1826), paving the way for Hellenic autonomy. In 1827, he became the first Governor of Hellas, undertaking nation-building in a war-torn land. He introduced centralized administration, military reforms, economic stabilization, and educational advancements, including laying the groundwork for the University of Athens (1837)”.

“However, his centralizing policies alienated regional elites and warlords, leading to resistance. On October 9, 1831, he was assassinated by political rivals, cutting short his vision for Greece’s future. His death was a tragic loss for the young state, which descended into chaos before eventual partial stabilization under a monarchy. His death highlighted the struggle between centralization and regional autonomy, a tension that would persist in Hellenic politics for years to come”.

“Despite his challenges and untimely death, Kapodistrias’s legacy endures as a symbol of selfless leadership and patriotism. His contributions to both European diplomacy and the foundation of modern Hellas are celebrated to this day. Kapodistrias is remembered as a visionary whose life exemplified commitment to peace, national unity, and progress, making him a cornerstone of Hellenic history”, Katsos concludes.  

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