The 3rd New Eleusis Symposion came to a powerful close, with the support of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, leaving behind bold conversations, mind-opening talks, and a collective sense of new beginnings. With “Re-Enchanting the World” as its guiding theme, the symposion explored how ancient wisdom, art, science, and collective imagination can help us restore meaning, connection, and care in our lives and societies.
55 speakers, 16 panel sessions and keynotes, 4 workshops, 4 artistic events, 3 days — one thought-provoking gathering. From September 25–27, 2025, the historic Old Oil Mill Factory in Eleusis hosted what was described by Alexandra Mitsotaki, co-founder and president of the World Human Forum, as “not a conference, but a gathering of like-minded people.” A gathering of thought leaders, artists, scientists, and engaged citizens from around the world — all united by the belief that such meetings should lead from vision to action. From grassroots citizen initiatives to renowned academics, celebrated artists to leading scientists, local organisations of Elefsina to global educational programmes from India and Africa — the Symposion bridged ideas and action.
We returned to the land of the Eleusinian Mysteries — where transformation and self-knowledge were once cultivated — to co-create a contemporary narrative of unity, reconnection, and hope. The Symposion offered not only a space for deep reflection, but also planted the seed of an idea: to seek recognition of the Eleusinian Mysteries as part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Themes and Speakers
Topics explored at the 3rd New Eleusis Symposion included:
The future of Eleusis
The arts for healing
New approaches to the economy through impact investment, the circular economy, and nature-inspired systems
Re-enchanting neighbourhoods through meaningful, bottom-up initiatives
Reframing our relationship with food
Democracy as a shared vision
Children as humanity’s dream tank
Transforming work in order to re-enchant the world
The role of psychedelics in consciousness and healing
The impressive roster of speakers and participants included, among others: Franz X. Vollenweider, Antonia Trichopoulou, Christina Merkouri, Hélène Landemore, Lex Paulson, Ruth DeFries, Daniel A. Barber, Maria Loizidou, Gary A. Bolles, Gina Belafonte, Emmanuel I. Stratakis, Christina Dalla, Ornella Corazza, Nicholas Yatromanolakis, Nikos Tsouchlos, Phil Cousineau, Kostis Tselenis, Stefanos Gandolfo, Jehangir Mehta, Maria Loi, Spyros Doukakis, Marlis Petersen, Pavlos Kavouras, and many others.
The artistic events of the Symposion have been met with great acclaim, notably the sold-out performance Sacred Paths – From the Mysteries of Eleusis to Byzantine Chant and the Mevlevi Dervish Tradition at the archaeological site of Eleusis. This unique production, featuring the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, the Byzantine Choir of the Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens, Sokratis Sinopoulos, master of the lyra, and acclaimed director Michail Marmarinos as narrator, captivated audiences both at Eleusis and later at Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall, where it also earned warm applause.
Towards a Promising Future for Elefsina
An important idea was introduced during the closing session of the Symposion. Alexandra Mitsotaki emphasised the need for strong partnerships to support the city’s next chapter. Drawing on an idea by Professor Emeritus Pavlos Kavouras of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she proposed exploring the recognition of the Eleusinian Mysteries as part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Earlier in the Symposion, Christina Merkouri, Director at the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica, explored the historical, mythological, and cultural dimensions of the Eleusinian Mysteries, highlighting their contemporary relevance. As she put it: “The Eleusinian Mysteries represent humanity’s most enduring attempt to address fundamental questions of existence through ritual, community and direct spiritual experience. Their success in transforming individual consciousness while building social cohesion offers valuable insights for contemporary efforts to address psychological distress, environmental crisis, and social fragmentation”. Representing the Region of Attica and Governor Nikos Hardalias, Deputy Governor Christina Kefalogianni expressed the Region’s support for this proposal and outlined a broader vision for cultural regeneration and touristic reevaluation of Attica.
On the Road to the 4th New Eleusis Symposion
With a commitment to keeping the dialogue and action going, the 4th New Eleusis Symposion will return on 24–26 September 2026 with the theme: “Science, Art & the Spirit of Healing.” Until then, let us carry forward the spirit of Re-enchantment. The World Human Forum will continue its presence in Elefsina with events throughout the year.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Partners
The symposion was organised by the World Human Forum, with the support of the Region of Attica, 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture and the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica, and in
collaboration with the Municipality of Eleusis.
A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in making the 3rd New Eleusis Symposion a reality.
Main Sponsor
Piraeus Port Authority / P.P.P. SA – COSCO SHIPPING
Sponsors
National Bank of Greece, Huawei, ELPEN Pharmaceutical Co. Inc., Qualco Group, Bank of Greece, HELLENiQ PETROLEUM, EYDAP, Vernicos Scafi Tugs & Salvage
Supported by Region of Attica, 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica
In collaboration with Municipality of Eleusis
Special Sessions
Re-enchanting the Economy – Inspired by Nature held in collaboration with the Athens Columbia Global Center
Re-enchanting Democracy organised in collaboration with the Athens Democracy Forum
Special Support
IVI© Model supported by the Helidoni Foundation
The Fire Forest offering organised with the support of MIA Art Collection
Official Airline Partner
Aegean Airlines
Media Sponsors
ERT, Kosmos 93.6, Second Programme 103.7, Third Programme 90.9
Special Thanks
Rtdeco Event Services, View Master Events, Dipnosofistirion Catering
Performance Co-production
Sacred Paths, presented at Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall, in co-production with Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall
About the World Human Forum
The World Human Forum is a think-and-do tank, a knowledge and action hub that seeks to contribute to the creation of a genuine ecological civilisation. With Delphi as its anchor and symbolic point of reference, it draws inspiration from iconic locations (Eleusis, Delos, Ancient Olympia, Aristotle’s Lyceum) and connects pioneering forces around the world, working towards a new narrative for humanity. Its methodology is embodied in the Delphic Cube, a holistic approach grounded in the values of sustainability and regeneration, democracy, education, inner transformation, science and technology, and art.
