Today, Tuesday (9/12) at the Vasilis & Eliza Goulandris Foundation Amphitheater.

The Thermopylae Forum is organizing on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Vasilis & Eliza Goulandris Foundation Amphitheater, the event entitled “Thermopylae: The Battle that Shaped the Future”, bringing the timeless message of Thermopylae to the center of Athens and officially opening the public debate for the promotion of this emblematic place.

The Thermopylae Forum initiative aspires to internationally highlight the values ​​born from the Battle of Thermopylae — courage, self-denial, democracy and freedom — values ​​that have inspired citizens and leaderships around the world for 2,500 years.

After the launch in Athens, the Initiative’s next stops will be the European Parliament in Brussels and then the United States, where the Greek diaspora is expected to play a central role.

The Greek Diaspora holds a special place in the event, emerging as the strongest international voice of the Thermopylae Forum’s vision. The contribution of the diaspora, historically and today, is a crucial factor in the global promotion of Thermopylae and the values ​​it represents.

The event will feature speakers including:

Christos Marafatsos, Advisor to US President Donald Trump and close associate of the US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle
Roderick Beaton, Professor at King’s College London
Stavros Benos, former Minister of Culture and President of “Diazomas”
Faye Makantasi, Director of Research at diaNEOsis
Nikos Koutsianas, Founder of Apivita & Symbeeosis
Sotiris Bregiannos, Lawyer
The event will also be attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ioannis Loverdos, representing the President of the Greek Government.

International Intervention

The event will be accompanied by a special intervention – via video – by the world-renowned French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani, who will present a proposal for the modern and sustainable use of Thermopylae.