The University of the Peloponnese and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their shared commitment to strengthen and institutionalize the rights of children across Greece.
The MoU was signed on Friday, 7 March 2025, at the University’s Campus Events Hall in Antikalamos by the Rector of the University of the Peloponnese, Professor Athanasios Katsis, and the UNICEF Representative in Greece, Dr. Ghassan Khalil. This agreement sealed the cooperation of the University with UNICEF, which began a year ago at the initiative of the Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs, International Relations and Outreach of the University of the Peloponnese, Professor Efthalia Chatzigianni.
Establishment of the Child Rights Centre
A key point of the agreement is the creation of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese. The Centre will serve as a space for research, education, and public engagement on issues affecting children. Its mission is to integrate child rights into academic curricula and promote awareness and action on crucial topics such as child protection and welfare, zero poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, peace, justice, and strong institutions.
These goals will be achieved through the development of joint actions and initiatives including specialized seminars, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, public awareness campaigns, conferences, and workshops targeting both the academic community and broader society at local and national level.
Addressing Childhood Obesity
During the event, the goals of the Centre for Combating Obesity were addressed, which is part of the National Action to Combat Obesity, implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF. Supported by experts in the field of Health and Nutrition from the University of the Peloponnese and other institutions, the Centre focuses on reducing childhood obesity through coordinated national and community-level initiatives.
UNICEF Representative, Dr. Ghassan Khalil welcomed the signing, stating: We are particularly happy about the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese, which will play a key role in raising awareness among the academic community and the wider local community and, by extension, in ensuring the rights of every child in the Peloponnese Region and nationwide.”
Professor Athanasios Katsis, Rector of the University, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “We are particularly proud of the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at the University of the Peloponnese. The collaboration with UNICEF is of strategic importance for the University of the Peloponnese and aims to take initiatives and organize actions to highlight and address the problems faced by children, who constitute the most sensitive and vulnerable part of our society. We intend to take relevant initiatives, to an even greater extent, on these issues, with the aim of informing the local community in collaboration with UNICEF and local bodies.”
The Vice-Rector for Administration Affairs, International Relations and Outreach, Professor Efthalia Chatzigianni noted that: “The establishment of the Child Rights Centre is another step in the outreach of our university, with a significant impact on the academic community and the wider society.”
Following the signing of the MoU, Dr. Ghassan Khalil delivered a keynote address titled: “The Role of Academia in Promoting Child Rights”, offering insights on how universities can lead the way in advancing social justice and inclusion for children. The ceremony was attended by representatives from regional and local authorities, University members and students.
This partnership reinforces the University’s commitment to stay connected and engaged to society’s needs. By collaborating with local community and global organizations like UNICEF, the University of the Peloponnese is contributing to a more inclusive environment that promotes children’s rights, social responsibility and civic engagement at all levels.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is active in 191 countries and territories, working to protect the rights and well-being of every child, with a special focus on reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized. UNICEF’s programs are entirely funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, the private sector, foundations, and governments.
To learn more about UNICEF’s work in Greece, visit UNICEF Greece website.
