Put 1000 women in one room in Athens for the Global Summit of Women at a crucial time in Greek history and the stage is set for some interesting and robust conversations, information and knowledge share and debate.
Greece is currently seen by the world as being without a government, teetering on the brink of being asked to leave the EU and to relinquish the Euro. This is the newsworthy version of events. What were we told from the internal viewpoint by conference speakers? That the country has moved forward with many of the required reforms, that inflation is down, that Greece is a good place to do business and that tourists still receive a good deal.
So what was the actual “experience” of being in Greece right now? The hotels were full – Tina and Yvonne stayed in different ones. The airport was busy – indicating a lot of people movement and the shopping areas were bustling. So, much was positive, but the attitude towards visitors, by local taxi and coach drivers and some shopkeepers left a lot to be desired and there is an underlying feeling that you are being ripped off, which was in sad contrast to the messages being offered to Summit delegates.
That being said Greece did offer a very special backdrop for this year’s Summit that brings together business leaders, government Ministers and officials and entrepreneurs and this year 70 countries participated. B2B meetings are arranged and business opportunities are explored.
It was encouraging to meet so many women running professional enterprises in an authentic way and who were so willing to share their experiences and talents. Whilst nothing earth shattering was positioned, it is always interesting to benchmark whatever we are doing in our part of the world to the rest of society.
Joining Tina and Yvonne in Athens were member, Gail Downing (pictured here with Yvonne) and Associate Elizabeth Werter. It is so wonderful when the UnitedSucces fraternity can come together on an event such as this.
The Malaysian delegation – resplendent in pink outfits from the same fabric – made a colourful splash at the opening ceremony, and gave us a wonderful cultural taste for next years Summit which is being held there.
