Keyword: Together

“Education is the silver bullet. Education is everything. We don’t need little changes. We need gigantic, monumental changes.” This quote by Sam Seaborn in Aaron Sorkin’s political drama The West Wing reflects in the most vivid way the lasting importance of education in unleashing creativity, cultivating talents, pursuing dreams, and achieving personal and societal prosperity.

We must work together and make sure that we provide our children with the right mindsets and knowledge to work together as well

Today, more than 20 years since it was uttered, this quote is more important than ever. From the climate crisis and the AI revolution to psychologically exhausted societies and from rising geopolitical volatility to a resurgence of populism and autocratic views, new emerging challenges, threats, and opportunities create a cataclysmic setting. In this unique environment, Greece lies at a tipping point after a prolonged socioeconomic crisis, having achieved a remarkable comeback that won the international community’s admiration and acknowledgement. Through bold structural reforms—which we must push further—we have reestablished our country’s credibility and regional and international gravitas, while empowering a new economic and production model that has unleashed Greece’s capacity for competitive growth and for establishing a blossoming entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem.

If, however, the political will and the determination and resilience of Greek businesses allowed and empowered this critical first step, we must ensure that we have the tools and weapons to continue this existential marathon. This is why we need to invest in all possible ways in education, releasing her from anachronistic obstacles and empowering her with new student-centered practices and mindsets that reflect their aspirations by bridging the lasting essence of classical paideia with tomorrow’s tech-focused needs and opportunities. We need to leave behind mistakes and biases of the past and rediscover the power of the profound values that constitute the cornerstone of what we consider a free, democratic world—a world with broadly shared opportunities, where collaboration, dignity, knowledge, critical thinking, innovation, and hard work are key.

There are no magic wands that can make our mistakes go away and instantly fulfill our dreams. And we don’t have the time to wait for the perfect solution that will heal all issues and satisfy everyone. So we must work together and make sure that we provide our children with the right mindsets and knowledge to work together as well. This is why these first steps in Greece’s much needed education reform are essential. Change will be achieved by taking small steps together, private and public schools and universities, teachers and parents, businesses and academic institutions.