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Since 2014, the Athens Solidarity Center has stood continuously by the side of the most vulnerable members of society, providing free social welfare services, legal and psychosocial support, employment counselling, and financial guidance. During the three-year funding period under the Swiss\u2013Greek Cooperation Programme, a total of 10,351 people<\/strong> received support through the Center\u2019s services.<\/span><\/p>\n The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SolidarityNow,<\/strong> Mr Stelios Zavvos<\/strong>, welcomed the guests, stating: \u201cThe most important advantage of the Athens Solidarity Center is that it does not observe society from a distance; it meets society every day. Through this approach, the Center is not only a place where services are provided, but also a space where people\u2019s experiences are transformed into knowledge. I would like to thank our supporters, the Embassy of Switzerland and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, for our long-standing and meaningful cooperation, both today and in the future.\u201d <\/em>In the same spirit, Mr. Efthymios Vidalis<\/strong>, Vice President of the Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of responsible resource management, transparency, and accountability, values that guide the organization\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n The Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Ms Sevi Voloudaki, stated: <\/strong>\u201cToday\u2019s presentation of SolidarityNow\u2019s results confirmed that solidarity, when combined with methodology and consistency, can be transformed into measurable social impact. More than one hundred thousand people have received support since the launch of the organization\u2019s Solidarity Centers, with one in four beneficiaries finding employment. Protecting people in vulnerable situations is an institutional priority. The cooperation between the State, Civil Society, and our international partners remains the model we seek to further strengthen.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Following this, Ms Konstantina Papakosta<\/strong>, Secretary General for Migration Policy, highlighted: <\/strong>\u201cThe work of the Center has a significant social footprint, particularly following the launch of the operational phase of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which means: a. the acceleration of asylum procedures and the return of those who do not meet the criteria for refugee status and b. the integration of those entitled to international protection. The Ministry\u2019s actions for people entitled to international protection place strong emphasis on integration. Integration means education, access to the labor market, and meaningful support with every small or major challenge, enabling people to become active members of society.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, Mr Heracles Moskoff<\/strong>, Secretary General for Vulnerable Citizens and Institutional Protection<\/strong>, stated: \u201cI was here when the Center was inaugurated 13 years ago, during the period of the crisis. At that time, the Municipality had the vision to create what we are all supporting today: this synergy between funders, the State, and Civil Society, to provide services to our most vulnerable fellow citizens. Over the past 13 years, this mission has been served in the best possible way. We are deeply grateful for the Swiss contribution and for the cooperation we have built, which ensures that this added value will have a future and will continue to provide solutions to the challenges faced by vulnerable members of our society.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Representing the Embassy of Switzerland in Greece, Ms Aita Pult, Deputy Head of Mission & Charg\u00e9e d\u2019Affaires<\/strong>, noted: \u201cThis is one of the most successful projects of the Swiss\u2013Greek Cooperation Programme, as it has ensured free and equal access to services for all, regardless of social background or legal status. Access to such services is a fundamental right that we must continue to support. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment cannot be underestimated.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Finally, on behalf of the Municipality of Athens, Ms Mina Fountzoula<\/strong>, Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity and Urban Fauna & Animal Welfare<\/strong>, emphasized: \u201cI had the opportunity to be here when the Athens Solidarity Center was inaugurated, during the mayoral term of Giorgos Kaminis. It was a period when the city was facing enormous challenges, as thousands of people were arriving in Greece seeking international protection and in need of immediate support. Today, I am here representing the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and I see that, despite the changes of recent years, the need for the Center\u2019s services remains equally urgent. The Athens Solidarity Center is a stable pillar of support for the city and its most vulnerable residents.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\nThe event concluded with an interactive activity involving the guests, which led to a lively dialogue with the Center\u2019s professionals. Within just one minute, each professional highlighted the importance of the service they provide, shared real stories of people\u2019s journeys towards inclusion and reintegration, and reminded everyone that behind every number there is a person, a story, and a new beginning.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n