ACT Hosts 5th Kavala International Summer School on Geopolitics and Reconciliation in the Eastern Mediterranean
The 5th Kavala International Summer School, titled “Geopolitics, Reconciliation and Good Neighborliness in the Eastern Mediterranean,” was successfully held from August 24–27, 2026, at the historic Megali Leschi in Kavala.
Organized by the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Institute (FAINST) and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Summer School brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and students from Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and other countries. Participants included advanced undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in the fields of political science, international relations, law, history, and diplomacy. Most attended through scholarships provided by the organizers, including dedicated scholarships for members of the Muslim minority of Western Thrace.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in discussions on key issues affecting the Eastern Mediterranean, including regional geopolitics, reconciliation processes, peacebuilding, soft power, and intercultural dialogue. Sessions featured distinguished speakers from academia and public policy, while keynote lectures addressed reconciliation in contemporary societies and environmental reconciliation. A recurring theme was the potential role of Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus as a “triangle of stability” in the region, alongside the contribution of tourism as a form of soft power.
In addition to the academic program, participants developed practical skills through simulations, crisis-management exercises, and collaborative policy discussions. Working in international groups, they contributed to a closing declaration that will be shared with governmental bodies, state agencies, and embassies of participating countries. Participants also prepared individual research papers, with outstanding submissions receiving special recognition.
The Summer School concluded with a public session in Greek, opening the discussion to the wider Kavala community. Closing remarks were delivered by Deputy Regional Governor Charis Dalkitzis and Deputy Mayor for Culture Apostolos Moumtsakis, who highlighted the importance of dialogue, international law, and mutual trust in fostering regional cooperation.
The Summer School was funded by the Dukakis Center of ACT, FAINST, and the A.H. Alsager Endowment, which also supported participant scholarships. Additional support was provided by the Municipality of Kavala and the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
