The Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, participated in the 2nd Gortys Forum 2026, held from 8 to 10 October 2026 in Messara. The Forum brought together representatives of the academic community, local government, institutions and civil society for a wide-ranging dialogue on contemporary challenges facing democracy, society and regional development.
The central theme of this year’s event was “From the Gortyn Code to Modern Europe: Institutions, Societies, Future”, with the key message “Institutions with Memory – Societies with a Future.” The event sought to connect the historical legacy of ancient Gortyn and its Code with critical issues currently facing European societies, ranging from democratic governance and social cohesion to regional development, artificial intelligence, education and the role of the younger generation.
The Forum was organised by the European Institute of Regional, Development and Social Policies and featured speeches, thematic discussions and special activities. Topics addressed included modern education and democratic awareness, the relationship between the Gortyn Code and contemporary governance, institutional resilience, sustainable regional development, and the impact of artificial intelligence on institutions and future generations.
A prominent part of the programme was the “Gortys Forum NextGen – Inspiring the Future” session, dedicated to young people in the region and aimed at strengthening their participation in public dialogue on education, innovation, social progress and the challenges of the future.
The Rector of HMU, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, delivered an address at the official opening of the Forum, alongside representatives of the Church, local government, the academic community and other institutions. In his remarks, he referred to the strong symbolism of Gortyn and its ancient Code, stressing that democracy is not confined to the functioning of institutions, but is tested every day through citizens’ access to education, healthcare, equal opportunities and decent work, as well as through their trust in institutions.
He placed particular emphasis on the role of education, research and critical thinking in addressing contemporary challenges such as misinformation, manipulation, pseudoscience, polarisation and the crisis of public trust. As he underlined, a university is not merely a place of education and knowledge production, but an institution that cultivates evidence-based thinking, dialogue and respect for differing views.
Referring more specifically to the role of universities, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis noted that the Hellenic Mediterranean University seeks to remain open to society and in continuous interaction with local government, the productive sector, young people and the international community, transforming scientific knowledge into solutions for real social and developmental needs.
Concluding his address, the Rector stressed that strengthening democracy and social cohesion requires strong institutions, knowledge, education, social justice and equal opportunities, stating:
“Democracy needs institutions.
Society needs cohesion.
Progress needs knowledge.
And Europe needs vision once again.”
The 2nd Gortys Forum also featured discussions on sustainable regional development, the relationship between the region, land and community, democratic governance, and the use of technology for the benefit of society. In addition, the establishment of the annual “Miltiadis Karatzis” Award for Regional Development, Innovation and Social Contribution was announced.
