The 1st Student Conference of the International Educational Network for Sustainability, titled “Myth2Space: “The Small World, the Great!”, concluded with remarkable success. Held on December 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2024, at the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos,” the event was organized through the initiative of the Primary Education Directorates of Athens B and the Cyclades, in collaboration with the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos,” the World Human Forum, the Hellenic Space Center, and the Society for the Promotion of Education and Learning.
The conference brought together 6,000 students from 140 schools across Greece and abroad. In a packed auditorium, students enthusiastically presented their imaginative projects, which they had worked on throughout the past school year. Their collective efforts aimed to envision a more sustainable and creative future.
Innovative Actions and Cutting-Edge Topics
Through original initiatives, presentations, and hands-on activities, students delved into critical topics, including the climate crisis, artificial intelligence, ancestral wisdom, and space exploration. Their presentations impressed the audience, showcasing how collaboration and creativity can be powerful tools for building a better world.
Distinguished Speakers and Unique Activities
The conference featured talks by prominent figures, offering students a chance to engage in dialogue. Notable speakers included:
- Professor Stamatis Krimizis, President of the Academy of Athens, who emphasized the value of teamwork and ethics in collaboration, as well as the essential role of these skills in space exploration.
- Emeritus Professor Vassilis Lambrinoudakis of the University of Athens and member of the Society for the Promotion of Education and Learning, who highlighted the importance of cultural heritage as a foundation for humanity’s future development.
- Alexandra Mitsotaki, President of the World Human Forum, who pointed out the need to empower and mobilize students to protect life on Earth.
- Professor Manolis Pleionis, Director of the National Observatory of Athens, who presented the magnificence of the universe and Earth’s place within it, underlining the critical need to protect our planet for life’s continuity.
Additionally, the event featured talks by inspiring young scientists, including Adrianos Golemis, a physician for astronauts and astronaut candidate, and Adrianos Botsios, the student creator of the robot NIKI. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging activities that transformed myth and space into an interactive experience. They shared their reflections from the conference on a large collaborative canvas, explored the power of “I CAN” through the Design for Change program, and co-created stories about nature in Green Tales. They were captivated by the impressive experiments of Mr. Chem, played with the Delphic Cube to explore the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and listened to traditional Greek folk songs about nature performed by the Domna Samiou Choir. They also interacted with the robot “NIKI” to discuss topics of their interest. Additionally, students observed meteorological phenomena in the Wind and Water Lab by METEO, while readings of the books “Artemis the Runaway” and “The Myth of King Erysichthon” enriched the program further
The Journey Continues
The “Myth2Space” network continues its work with the participation of 15,000 students from 400 schools this academic year. The initiative aspires to establish the student conference as an annual institution for the exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering awareness of sustainability and the development of 21st-century skills. The ultimate goal is to empower active citizens to co-create a better world.
Watch the 3 Day Student Conference here:
Day 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVZd5djxV-w&t=794s
Day 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-cRkj8Mg_E&t=7450s
Day 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEURS3ZwdeU&t=593s
Discover students’ presentations here: https://mythtospace.sites.sch.gr/
