Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Didymoteicho and the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” of the University of Piraeus

Within the framework of the 1st Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Greece, held on 5–6 June 2026 in Alexandroupolis, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Didymoteicho between the Municipality of Didymoteicho and the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources” of the University of Piraeus.

The Memorandum was signed by the Mayor of Didymoteicho, Mr. Romylos Chatzigiannoglou, and Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, Director of the Laboratory “Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies and Services”, and Director of the MSc Programme “Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies” at the University of Piraeus.

This strategic partnership establishes a framework for scientific support, knowledge exchange and the development of joint initiatives aimed at promoting lifelong learning, digital innovation, sustainable development and the effective utilization of the cultural resources of the Municipality of Didymoteicho. The Memorandum is aligned with the Municipality’s strategic decision to apply for membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), taking into account the guidelines and priorities of UNESCO and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.

Key areas of cooperation include supporting the Municipality’s digital transformation through advanced technologies, developing lifelong learning and capacity-building initiatives for citizens, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, and enhancing cultural heritage and local identity through contemporary digital approaches.

The collaboration also provides for the development of joint research and educational activities, participation in national, European and international programmes, as well as opportunities for internships and Master's thesis projects undertaken by students of the University of Piraeus MSc Programme on topics relevant to the Municipality of Didymoteicho.

Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados stated:

"Our collaboration with the Municipality of Didymoteicho enables us to bring academic knowledge, technological innovation and the real needs of a historic local community closer together. This strategic partnership establishes a framework for scientific support, knowledge exchange and the development of joint initiatives that can strengthen lifelong learning, sustainable development, cultural identity and the quality of life of citizens.

For the UNESCO Chair 'Creative Cities in Motion', smart cities are not solely about technology. Above all, they are cities and communities that invest in people, knowledge, culture and collaboration. In this context, the Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Didymoteicho represents an important step towards the development of human-centered, sustainable and creative local ecosystems."

The signing of the Memorandum confirms the commitment of both parties to invest in knowledge, innovation and cooperation, creating the conditions for new initiatives with a positive social, cultural and developmental impact on the local community.

Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados and the Mayor of Didymoteicho, Mr. Romylos Chatzigiannoglou, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Didymoteicho and the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” of the University of Piraeus.

From left: Mayor of Didymoteicho Mr. Hadjigiannoglou Romylos, President of the Greek National Committee for UNESCO Mrs. Tzitzikosta Aikaterini, Professor of the University of Piraeus Mr. Vergados Dimitrios, President of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace Mrs. Giannakidou Angeliki

08 Jun 2026