The significance of the 2nd International Conference of the Coordinating Committee of Research Institutes of Hellenism, is confirmed and reinforced by the presence and active participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, through the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, the Standing Parliamentary Committee of Greeks Abroad of the Greek Parliament as well as distinguished scientists, researchers, politicians and Institutes from Greece, Cyprus, Europe the U.S.A, Canada and Australia.

As well, the active participation of Philellenes, such as f. Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Gaugh Witlam, and prominent academics such as Professors Oliver Taplin, of the University of Oxford and M. Bruneau, of the University of Sorbonne, attest to the international impact of Hellenism and this Conference.

This Conference aims to contribute, through the Coordinating Committee of Research Institutes of Hellenism, to a systematic approach of the issues concerning Hellenism globally, including Hellenism of Greece and Cyprus, at a time when the magnitude and complexity of the issues regarding Hellenism require careful examination and action. The Conference also aims to sensitise and raise the interest of the entire Greek community in Australia, and most importantly the second and third generation of Australia-born Greeks, on issues concerning Hellenism.

This Conference does not aspire to become a panacea or to produce final answers or nostrums on issues concerning Hellenism. This Conference will open lines of discussion and inquiry which will help situate Hellenism, and will examine issues and factors facing it. It will also produce a body of knowledge that will assist in future directions for maintaining Hellenism in Australia and globally.

The diverse research papers presented in this Conference has provided valuable information on a wide range of themes, as well as opportunities for further investigation and research that would assist in maintaining and reinforcing Hellenism globally, as it creates new networks of cooperation between academics, researchers, education and government institutions and enhances relations between Greece, Cyprus and the Hellenic Diaspora.

The Hellenic Studies Forum has seen this Conference as a significant forerunner of Conferences, debates, activities and practices necessary to the survival and development of Hellenism.

The Hellenic Studies Forum, organiser of this Conference, would like to thank the Greek, Cyprus and Australian Governments representatives for their support, and the sponsors and other Conference supporters, without whom this Conference would not have been possible. As Conference Co-ordinator I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Conference Organising Committee for their support and valuable cooperation.

Demetra Egan

Conference Coordinator