Academic Diplomacy in Action: The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” at the 1st Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Greece
The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources” of the University of Piraeus participated in the 1st Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Greece, held on 5–6 June 2026 in Alexandroupolis, bringing together representatives of UNESCO Chairs from Greece and abroad.
The meeting highlighted the role of academic diplomacy as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of joint initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also provided an important opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue, the exchange of good practices and the strengthening of synergies among UNESCO Chairs.
The UNESCO Chair of the University of Piraeus was represented by Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados, Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources”, 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.
Within the framework of the Education thematic session, Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados presented the Chair’s work and interdisciplinary initiatives, focusing on the connection between digital cultural innovation, human-centered smart cities, sustainable mobility and the utilization of cultural resources.
The UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” is the first UNESCO Chair established at the University of Piraeus and develops a contemporary interdisciplinary approach that connects culture, technology and sustainable urban development with the needs of modern societies. At its core lies the use of advanced digital technologies not as an end in themselves, but as tools for empowering people, promoting cultural heritage and improving quality of life in cities and local communities.
Particular emphasis is also placed on peri-urban environments as critical spaces of transition between the city, nature and cultural heritage. Through this perspective, the Chair highlights the role of sustainable mobility, lifelong learning, social participation and digital innovation in shaping more resilient, accessible and creative communities.
The presentation also highlighted the Chair’s connection with applied educational, research and policy-oriented initiatives, including educational programmes, participatory actions, collaborations with public and private stakeholders, and contributions to international frameworks supporting the digital transformation of human-centered cities.
The participation of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion” in the 1st Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Greece reaffirms its commitment to connecting science, culture, technology and society, while fostering collaborations that respond to the real needs of cities, citizens and local communities.
Professor Dimitrios D. Vergados during his participation in the 1st Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Greece in Alexandroupolis.
08 Jun 2026
