ATHENS: GLOBAL VISION SUMMIT II – 2025
Athens, 30th June – 3rd July 2025
For the second year, “Writers Capital International Foundation” comes to Athens, in order to celebrate this event, at the end of “Panorama International Literature Festival” (“PILF”) and “Global Icons Awards”.
I’ve been invited, as member of the Organization: in this article, I’ll try to describe some of the most relevant moments.
Unfortunately, President and CEO, Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar was absent: I share this occasion in order to express all my gratitude to him, as an open-minded, sensitive and multifaceted person (not “only”, but also very talented).
Anyway, Vice-President Irene Doura-Kavadia conducted all the event in a unique way, being capable of sustaining any participant and giving voice to his/her contribution, according to the Board’s evaluations.
On June, 30th, she has introduced eminent personalities of the Jury, whose cultural backgrounds are characterized by a huge variety of languages and cultures. Irene has shown her extraordinary ability of coming across the event, with brilliancy and empathy.
In this occasion, I was considered as “guest of honour”.
On July, 2nd, the second rendez-vous was influenced by the artistry of Italian Sebastiano Sechi (Sardinia), whose paintings won the “PILF” and whose works of art are known worldwide. I met him and we immediately became friends. Before this absolutely unexpected event, I uttered my English Speech (13 minutes without any interruption) about the fine link between peace, contradictions and cultural differences, as well as Greek philosophy (the most important issues of Western legacy). After that, I felt overjoyed for the reactions of the Jury, who encouraged me in going ahead with my research. My experience was also marked by Efi Chantzouli and Efi Thalasofiliti, both artists and writers, wonderful women, coming around Greece. Their presence was important since they represented their nationalities and origins.
On July, 3rd (last day), Global Icons Awards were delivered. The most outstanding winner is Vandana Kumar, who, being Indian, has published a book with “WC(I)F” Editions, made up by Greek poetry, showing her mastery in a plurality of languages. Vandana is not only a writer, but also an activist (womens’ rights). What’s more, a young tenor coming from South America gave an impressive demonstration of his vocal skills. With an evident muscular structure, he sang 2 foreign songs, showing the transcendental power of his voice and the precise accent he gave to each word he pronounced. This is another example of excellence, made up by sacrifice and devotion: that is to say, music.
What about last considerations?
All these events have been marked by Irene Doura‘s presentation and deep commitment, as a very intelligent and introspective woman who is aware of her delighting responsibilities. From paintings to poetry, from reflections to music: an anthem celebrating all forms of Arts.
Apart from the excellence of Irene’s presence, we all would like to give a message to President, Preeth Nambiar: we are all still awaiting for you, in further opportunities, in order to celebrate beauty and all manifestations of art, as your Association does – an international endeavor…
…Because this is one of the most insightful purpose of “WC(I)F”: “bridging new cultures”, uniting nations and “giving voice” to any creation.
Stefano Chiesa
