The newly established Institute of Hellenic Language (INEL) was presented at a symbolically significant event beneath the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, organized by the Qualco Foundation, the founding supporter alongside the Qualco Group.

The mission of INEL is to preserve, disseminate, and strengthen the Greek language and culture globally through modern and international practices. This includes supporting the teaching of Modern Greek in Greek diaspora communities and promoting it as a second or foreign language.

Evangelia Georgantzi, president of INEL and a philologist who has devoted 46 years of consistent and personal commitment to her profession, described the event as a “celebration of the Greek language.” She added that the Institute aims to contribute yet another “building block” to the rich cultural foundation that Greece possesses.

“We honor the Greek language by recognizing its value and its timeless strength in the global linguistic tradition,” she said, addressing the “modern pioneers of the Greek language from every corner of the earth,” who attended the conference.

Evangelia Georgantzi: The Greek Language is a Tool for Social Cohesion

Seeing her vision come to life with the founding of INEL, Ms. Georgantzi stated: “We will strive to preserve the Greek language among generations of Greeks abroad and to spread it internationally.” On the collaboration with the University of Strasbourg and its Department of Modern Greek Studies, she emphasized: “This partnership proves that Greece and France are connected not only by bonds of friendship but also by meaningful cultural relations.”

The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, praised the creation of the Institute, noting: “The Greek language is a tool for social cohesion. Investing in our language is an essential adhesive for our society—both for Greeks within and outside of Greece, and for third-country nationals—through Greek language learning and knowledge of our heritage. We consider the Greek language an essential tool for social integration, beyond being a necessity or a responsibility on our part.” Having served as Deputy Minister of Education, she added: “We experienced firsthand the issues, the needs, and the anxieties of Greek language communities abroad and thoroughly examined how we could support them.”

In his address, Orestis Tsakalotos, President of the Qualco Group and the Qualco Foundation, remarked: “At Qualco Group and through the work of the Qualco Foundation, we deeply believe in the power of knowledge, the preservation of cultural heritage, and of course, language—as a living organism that carries memory, identity, and vision. Supporting new initiatives like INEL is at the core of our philosophy: to empower actions that shape the future without severing ties to the roots of the past.”

Regarding the newly formed Institute, Mr. Tsakalotos added that its establishment goes beyond a “scientific undertaking,” calling it “a window into the richness of the Greek and European linguistic tradition. It is a tool that enables younger generations to discover, understand, and utilize the linguistic nuances that form the foundations of our civilization.” He stressed that “initiatives like these deserve not only moral but also tangible support—through resources and expertise. And today, we commit to standing by them. The future belongs to those who dare to invest in knowledge, language, and culture.”

Artistic Program and Recognition

The evening’s artistic program featured internationally acclaimed pianist Dora Bakopoulou and vocalist Elli Paspala, who said: “I’m a child of immigrants, and the fact that I speak Greek is thanks to people like you—and of course to my family. I just wanted to say a big thank you and wish you success with your conference.”

The event was attended by representatives of the political and business sectors who honored this important initiative with their presence.

The International Conference on Teaching Greek as a Second/Foreign Language and Multilingualism

The event at the Acropolis Museum marked the official launch of INEL’s activities with its first major initiative: the International Conference on Teaching Modern Greek as a Second/Foreign Language and Multilingualism. The conference was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, and the French Embassy in Greece.

It brought together 41 speakers from six Greek universities and 17 foreign academic institutions, as well as educators and community leaders from around the world.

The scientific organization of the event was handled by the University of Strasbourg (Department of Modern Greek Studies) and the Institute of Hellenic Language. The organizing committee included:

• Irini Tsamadou–Jacoberger, Professor of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Strasbourg
• Maria Zerva, Associate Professor and Director of the same department
• Evangelia Georgantzi, Philologist and President of INEL

The Vision of INEL

INEL aspires to become a permanent point of reference for the Greek language and culture, serving as a bridge between Greece, the global Hellenic diaspora, and Greek language learners worldwide. Through such initiatives, the Institute aims to significantly contribute to the global promotion of the Greek language and to strengthen its presence in an ever-evolving linguistic landscape.

About the Qualco Foundation

The Qualco Foundation is a non-profit initiative by the Qualco Group, aimed at supporting projects that serve the common good, help build a sustainable society, and offer new opportunities for all. Through donations, strategic partnerships, and initiatives, it collaborates with non-profit organizations as well as educational and cultural institutions to meet societal needs effectively.

Its social mission is built on four pillars:

• Education & Science
• Sports
• Culture
• Social Solidarity

— all with the shared goal of generating positive social impact and promoting the value of giving back.

About the Institute of Hellenic Language (INEL)

The Institute of Hellenic Language (INEL) is an initiative of the Qualco Foundation, created to preserve, disseminate, and strengthen the Greek language and culture globally. It aims, through modern and international methods, to support the Greek diaspora and promote Greek as a second/foreign language.

Headquartered in Athens and led by President Evangelia Georgantzi, INEL functions as a dynamic educational and cultural institution, linking Greek linguistic heritage with the needs of a multilingual, globalized world.