The online event titled “Professional Experience and Careers in International Organizations in Geneva, European Union Institutions, and the Private Sector Collaborating with Them” was successfully held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The event was co-organized by ALLILON, the International Hellenic University (IHU), and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).

The event attracted significant interest, with approximately 70 participants, including students, recent graduates, and professionals from the fields of international relations, economics, political science, and entrepreneurship. Their active participation contributed meaningfully to the development of a dynamic and engaging dialogue on international career opportunities.

The initiative aimed to provide substantial information and guidance to participants regarding employment opportunities in international organizations based in Geneva—such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization—as well as within European Union institutions and the private sector collaborating with them. In an increasingly competitive and multicultural environment, understanding the required skills and career pathways is of particular importance.

A key highlight of the event was its interactive nature, featuring three consecutive group speed mentoring sessions, which offered participants the opportunity for direct engagement with experienced Greek professionals working abroad.

The mentors shared valuable experiences and practical advice, covering topics such as recruitment processes in international organizations, essential skills, career prospects, and everyday working life in multinational environments.

The event underscored the importance of connecting the academic community with the Greek professional diaspora, strengthening ALLILON’s role as a bridge between young people in Greece and Greeks active on the international stage. At the same time, it highlighted the importance of enhancing Greek representation in European and international organizations.

Equally important was the active participation of attendees, who, through their questions and contributions, helped foster a lively and productive discussion.

The organizers express their sincere thanks to all mentors and participants for their contribution to the successful implementation of the event. The strong response and high level of interest confirm the importance of such initiatives in promoting knowledge, extroversion, and the professional development of young people.

ALLILON, the International Hellenic University, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki will continue to support initiatives that promote dialogue, collaboration, and the connection of the younger generation with the international labor market, contributing to the development of a modern and dynamic ecosystem of knowledge and opportunities.

Event Program

PART I: OPENING REMARKS (18:00 – 18:15)

Welcome Addresses: (18:00 – 18:15)

Grigoris Zarotiadis, Professor of Economic Policy Sciences and Member of the Governing Council of AUTH; President of ASECU; Director of ILABSEM; Member of the World Academy of Art and Science
Kalliopi Kalampouka, Professor of Commercial Law at IHU
Angelos Pangratis, Founder and Chairman of the Board of ALLILON; Former Chargé d’Affaires of the EU to the USA and former EU Ambassador to Argentina and the World Trade Organization
Ioannis Vrailas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU

PART II: GROUP MENTORING

18:15 – 19:00 | Mentor Group 1: Careers in International Organizations (Geneva)

  • Angelos Pangratis (Moderator) – Founder and Chairman of ALLILON
  • Angeliki Dimou – Senior Humanitarian Expert & MSF Project Coordinator
  • Alex Tsakiridis – UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Extensive experience in the humanitarian sector
  • Efstatios (Stratos) Chatzixyros – WHO Headquarters – Adviser
  • Christina Vasala Kokkina – ITU (International Telecommunication Union) – Senior Legal Officer

19:00 – 19:45 | Mentor Group 2: Careers in European Union Institutions

  • Evgenia Karatari (Moderator) – European External Action Service, Deputy Head of Division, EU Situation Room
  • Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos – EU Diplomat & Chairman of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
  • Andreas Lymberis – Head of Sector, European Innovation Council – Pathfinder (available until 19:30)
  • Pavlos Mouratidis – European Commission, Policy Officer
  • Nassos Sofos – European Commission, Policy Officer

19:45 – 20:30 | Mentor Group 3: Careers in the Private Sector Collaborating with EU Institutions

  • Dimitris Vartholomaios (Moderator) – Manager Government Affairs – Head of External Affairs Section, DENSO
  • Theofanis Paraskevas Grammenos – Junior Officer, International Advocacy at Hydrogen Europe
  • Anaïs Vathi – Ernst & Young – Communications and PR Manager
  • Konstantinos Gatzios – Siemens Healthineers – Supply Chain & Logistics
  • Konstantinos Diamantouros – Head of Brussels Office, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (BusinessEurope)

End of Event: 20:30

After the Event

One-on-one meetings between students and mentors can be arranged for another day, depending on the availability of both parties. Please see the list of available mentors below and complete the event registration form.