First World Conference on Smart Islands to take place on Pserimos Sept 4-5

The conference will be organized with the help of the Municipalities of Kalymnos , Vari/Voula/Vouliagmeni and Kifissia, under the auspices of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE).

Following up on a European Union goal begun in 2018 for the first 30 European islands fully transitioning to energy independence by 2030, the conference will include prominent speakers and attendees will be able to exchange views on significant problems of Greek islands, 6 of which are among the 30 of the EU initiative. Some of the issues to be examined are energy, water, education, and medical services. The Greek islands include Astypalea, Ikaria, Lesvos, Megisti, Tilos, and Psara.

IHA is a Delaware-based nonprofit supporting Greece and hellenism on national and cultural issues. The participating municipalities are associate with the island of Pserimos, which lies between Kalymnos and Kos in the southeastern Aegean.

In a statement on the organization's site, IHA member Magda Tsolaki said, "Our goal is to enable all Greek islands become smart islands, in partnership with scientific and industrial companies for the optimal and rapid treatment of all problems faced by islanders, so that quality of life is improved and allow local communities to flourish."

The conference, she added will include round tables and debate, "with short presentations to have time for extensive discussions with participants from different specialties."