The closing ceremony of the Summer Programme for the Epirotes of the Diaspora, organised by the World Council of Epirotes Abroad and funded by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Summer Programme of the Centre for the Study of Hellenic Language and Culture of DIKEPPEE "Stavros Niarchos" at the University of Ioannina, was held with great success on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a creative period of learning, cultural exchange and meaningful engagement with Epirus, the Greek language and Greek culture.

The event opened with a welcome address by the Rector of the University of Ioannina, Professor Anna Batisatou, who highlighted the importance of the University’s international outreach and of maintaining the ties of the Greek diaspora with the language, history and culture of their homeland. She also referred to the significant development of the establishment of the School of Medicine’s English-taught undergraduate programme, which strengthens the University’s international presence, attracts students from around the world and creates new opportunities for academic collaboration, innovation and the further internationalisation of the Institution.

A welcome address was then delivered by Emeritus Professor Georgios Kapsalis, representing the Mayor of Ioannina, Chair of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Ioannina and former Rector of the University of Ioannina. The event was also addressed by Mr Chrysostomos Dimou, President of the World Council of Epirotes Abroad, and Mr Michalis Mageirias, President of the World Vlach Federation.

The welcome addresses concluded with the screening of a recorded message from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Giannis Loverdos, who congratulated the organisers on the initiative and highlighted the importance of such activities in strengthening the ties between the Greek diaspora and Greece.

This was followed by an address by Mr Xenofon Bitsikas, President of the Centre for the Study of Hellenic Language and Culture and Vice Rector for International Relations, Global Engagement and Lifelong Learning at the University of Ioannina. He stressed that internationalisation and outreach constitute strategic priorities for the University of Ioannina, with its Greek language programmes serving as bridges of communication with the Greek diaspora and the international academic community, while strengthening the Institution’s position on the global academic map.Finally, Ms Vasiliki Panteli, Head of the DIKEPPEE "Stavros Niarchos", highlighted the special anniversary character of this year, as the Centre for the Study of Hellenic Language and Culture celebrates 30 years of continuous operation, while the DIKEPPEE "Stavros Niarchos" marks 20 years of contribution. She referred to the Centre’s history and vision, which began with its establishment by the late Professor Dimitrios Glaros, the anniversary activities carried out throughout the academic year, as well as the new opportunities arising from Erasmus+ accreditation, reaffirming the continuous development and international outlook of the University of Ioannina’s work to promote the Greek language and culture.

The event was honoured by the presence of Ms Agni Nakou, Deputy Regional Governor of Epirus; Ms Katia Tzima, President of the Primary Education School Committee of the Municipality of Ioannina; members of the Board of the Centre for the Study of Hellenic Language and Culture, including Ms Nikoleta Tsitsanoudi-Mallidi, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Ioannina, and Mr Anastasios Mikropoulos, President of the Department of Primary Education at the University of Ioannina. Members of the World Council of Epirotes Abroad were also present, including Mr Spyros Kostadimas, Mr Ilias Galanos and Ms Dimitra Petsas, as well as Mr Georgios Mokos, representative of the Pan-Epirotic Brotherhood of Stockholm.

A particularly moving moment of the evening was the presentation of the students’ group project, entitled “Epirus: Place, Language, Memory.” Through personal narratives, experiences, images and creative approaches, the participants conveyed with sensitivity and authenticity their experience of the programme, highlighting the deeper relationship they developed with the Greek language, history, traditions and culture of Epirus. Their presentation was warmly applauded and deeply moved the audience.

The musical programme was provided by the Konstantinos Leontaris Music School, whose outstanding performances created a warm and artistic atmosphere throughout the evening. A special touch was also added by performances by students Ana Esteban and Zoe Michalos, as well as by Mr Giorgos Chioureas, an employee of the University of Ioannina, who took part in the musical programme.

The event concluded with a pleasant surprise for participants and guests, as live traditional music from Epirus followed. The melodies of Epirus created an authentic festive atmosphere, giving everyone the opportunity to sing, dance and share moments of joy and emotion. In this way, the evening brought to a beautiful close two programmes that highlighted the power of the Greek language and culture, as well as the enduring connection between Epirus and the Greek diaspora.