With an event of great symbolic significance, held beneath the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the Qualco Foundation officially presented the Greek Language Institute (INEL), an initiative it proudly supports as a founding partner alongside Qualco Group. The presentation took place on Wednesday, June 4, at the Acropolis Museum, the most fitting setting to highlight INEL’s vision.

The Greek Language Institute (INEL) was established to preserve, promote, and strengthen the Greek language and culture on a global scale by applying modern and international practices,  notably by supporting the teaching of Modern Greek within Greek diaspora communities and advancing its recognition as a second or foreign language.

The event was attended by representatives of the political leadership and the business community, who honoured this important initiative with their presence. Among them were the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Giannis Loverdos, and the Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Elena Rapti.

In his address, Orestis Tsakalotos, Chairman of Qualco Group and the Qualco Foundation, emphasised: “At Qualco Group, and through the work of Qualco Foundation, we deeply believe in the power of knowledge, the preservation of cultural heritage, and, of course, language — this living organism that carries memory, identity, and vision. Supporting new initiatives such as INEL lies at the very heart of our philosophy: to empower actions that shape the future while remaining rooted in the past.”

The evening’s artistic program featured performances by internationally acclaimed pianist Dora Bakopoulou and renowned vocalist Elli Paspala. You can watch highlights from the Opening Event at the Acropolis Museum in the video.

The event marked the official launch of INEL’s work, which presented its first major initiative: the International Conference on Teaching Modern Greek as a Second/Foreign Language and Multilingualism, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, and the Embassy of France in Greece (June 5–6, 2025).