Professor D.D. Vergados, UNESCO Chair Holder and Director of the Laboratory: “Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies and Services Lab”, of the University of Piraeus, Greece. Attends the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The Laboratory of “Digital Culture, Smart Cities, IoT and Advanced Digital Technologies and Services”, is honored to announce the participation of its Director and Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”: Urban Sustainable Mobility & Utilization of Cultural Resources, D.D. Vergados in the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, taking place in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 30 to November 13, 2025.
The General Conference is the highest governing body of UNESCO, bringing together its 194 Member States to determine the Organization's policies, programs, and budget. This year's Session is historically significant as it is the first time the Conference has been held outside the Paris Headquarters in 40 years.
Professor D.D. Vergados’ presence highlights the central role played by the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” in shaping the global dialogue on issues related to Digital Culture and its interconnection with the creative economy and cultural industries, Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Mobility, placing people and culture at the center of development, and Technological Innovation as a means to strengthen social cohesion, cultural resilience, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the Conference, Professor D.D. Vergados will participate in the Plenary Meetings, the Education Commission (ED) Sessions, and high-level debates and side events with a focus on integrating technology and digital transformation to advance UNESCO’s sustainable development goals. His presence reaffirms the Chair’s vision to establish a framework within Higher Education and Society for understanding the transformation from digital cities toward people-centered, smart, and sustainable eco-cities for all generations—cities that are digitally inclusive, secure, accessible, and creative.
Professor Vergados also had the opportunity to meet and congratulate Ms. Audrey Azoulay, outgoing Director-General of UNESCO, expressing his sincere appreciation for her outstanding leadership and contribution throughout her tenure. Following a vote, the members of the Executive Board of UNESCO nominated Dr. Khaled El-Enany (Egypt) for the position of Director-General of the Organization, to whom Professor D.D. Vergados extended his warmest congratulations, wishing him every success in continuing UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace, education, culture, and sustainable development worldwide - a vision that truly reflects the spirit of “UNESCO for the People.”
Professor D.D. Vergados would also like to express his sincere appreciation to the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, and in particular to Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, President of the Hellenic National Commission, for their continuous support and contribution to the promotion of UNESCO’s mission and values in Greece and beyond.
This participation further enhances the international visibility and recognition of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion”, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting UNESCO’s values and priorities globally — fostering peace, sustainability, cultural diversity, and human development through research, education, and innovation.
Chairholder Prof Vergados D. Dimitrios with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Ms. Boulakaki Christina from the Hellenic National Comission for UNESCO with our Chairholder Prof. Vergados D. Dimitrios during the 43rd UNESCO GC 2025
Our Chairholder Prof. Vergados D. Dimitrios receives a warm welcome from the UNESCO Uzbekistan GC welcome team.
30 Oct 2025
