At Delphi, the ancient navel of the world—the Omphalos—, conversations have always mattered. This was once a sanctuary of encounter, a space where conflicts paused, where dialogue replaced confrontation. A spiritual but also political space where questions were asked. A space of ideas and principles that still echo: Know thyself. Nothing in excess. It is no coincidence that this is also where the World Human Forum was born.
During the “1927–2027: Re-Generating the Delphic Idea for the Future of Humanity” discussion at the Delphi Economic Forum, Alexandra Mitsotaki, President and co-founder of the World Human Forum, spoke with Thodoris Georgakopoulos, Founder of 1830 lab, about the need to make Delphi relevant today.
As she underlined, drawing on the work of historian and author Michael Scott, Delphi “must never remain silent.” Its relevance is not symbolic but urgent in a world of deep global fractures—climate, democracy, inequality, meaning—that can no longer be addressed with top-down solutions.
From Fragmentation to Integration: The World Human Forum Perspective
A central idea presented during the discussion—and reflected in the World Human Forum “Delphic Cube” methodology—is that complex global challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. They require an integrated approach connecting regeneration, democracy, education, inner transformation, science & technology and the arts.
The World Human Forum is grounded in the belief that citizens are not passive observers, but active agents of transformation when given the space and tools to participate meaningfully. Since its inception in Delphi in 2017, the Forum based on collective intelligence, has worked across continents and disciplines to connect initiatives, ideas and communities.
The 3rd Delphic Festival
Re-connecting to Delphi, its symbolic base, the World Human Forum is preparing the 3rd Delphic Festival in 2027, marking 100 years since the first Delphic Festival initiated by Angelos Sikelianos and Eva Palmer. Back in 1927, they believed that Delphi could serve as a focal point for solidarity of people all over the world and for the preservation of classical, universal values. A space that would assist in the strengthening of a harmonious and peaceful coexistence through the interdisciplinary interaction of culture, science, philosophy, but also through the embodiment of the arts and crafts.
Building on that, the upcoming edition will connect the Delphic Idea with the challenges of the 21st century, initiating a new endeavour “The Parliament for the Future”. It will bring together grassroots’ initiatives, artists, academia, policy thinkers & makers, citizens from all walks of life, in a shared conversation on governance, democracy and planetary challenges.
