A major gathering of humanity, science, institutions, education, the arts and the maritime community, dedicated to the prevention of male infertility.

When the State, Science, the Church, Education, the Arts and the business community come together around a common purpose, prevention becomes a responsibility shared by society as a whole.

With this powerful message, the major event of the nationwide campaign “TOGETHER IN THE CYCLE OF LIFE” (“MAZI STON KYKLO TIS ZOIS”) concluded with outstanding success, a warm response and widespread participation. The event took place on Tuesday, 3 November, at the Periklis Lytras Amphitheatre of the University of West Attica.

An initiative centred on male infertility, reproductive health and the country’s demographic challenge, which succeeded in bringing together institutional representatives, leading scientists, university academics, representatives of the Church, artists and members of the business community on the same stage.
Because fertility is not solely a women’s issue. It is an issue that concerns us all.

And prevention must know no boundaries between institutions, scientific disciplines and people. It requires collective responsibility, knowledge, awareness and a society that chooses to speak openly about issues that, until today, have remained unspoken.

THE IDENTITY AND STRENGTH OF THE INITIATIVE

The creation and initiative behind the nationwide campaign “MAZI STON KYKLO TIS ZOIS” are the work of Clelia Charissis, creator and Chief Ambassador of the campaign, television producer and presenter, Director of Literature and Arts of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands – International Action Art, who also undertook the coordination of this major gathering.

The event was organised by the Hellenic Andrological Society and the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, with the contribution of the Hellenic Society of Physicians for Assisted Reproduction, the Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hellenic Navy Hospital, the Hellenic Intermunicipal Network of Healthy Cities (EDDYPPY) and the Athens Medical Association.

The event was held under the auspices of:
• The Ministry of Health
• The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs
• The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
• The Hellenic Navy General Staff (HN)
• The Athens Medical Association
• The University of West Attica (UNIWA)

With the kind sponsorship of:
• INSTITUTE OF LIFE – IASO, Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit
• METROPOLITAN GENERAL
• Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine (EEAI)
• CHARTWORLD SHIPPING CORPORATION
• MSG ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (MSG Group of Companies)
• BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD – P. C. PASCHALIDIS PUBLISHERS
• PERIKLIS WINOSOPHY
• Athens Plant Nursery

AN INITIATIVE THAT BROUGHT DIFFERENT WORLDS TOGETHER

The event demonstrated in practice that prevention cannot be the responsibility of just one organisation or one scientific speciality. It requires cooperation, collective responsibility, education, information and, above all, a society that is not afraid to engage in open discussion.

The State, Science, the Church, Education, Entrepreneurship and the Arts came together within one common circle, demonstrating that when there is a meaningful purpose, the different forces of society can become one.
The event opened with a performance by the Hellenic Coast Guard Band, lending a distinctive institutional and symbolic character to the gathering.

This was followed by official addresses from Theodoros Xanthos, Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Outreach at the University of West Attica; Reverend Protopresbyter Father Antonios Kalligeris, representative of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and Director of the Department of Pastoral Care for Marriage and Family of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens; and Dimitris Chaniotis, Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica and Director of Health of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, who delivered his address on behalf of its President, Mr Ioannis Maronitis.

THE STATE STANDING ALONGSIDE PREVENTION

The participation of State representatives in the first panel carried particular significance, with the institutional presence of the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis (via a recorded video message); Ms Elena Rapti, Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs; Mr Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; and Mr Georgios Patoulis, President of EDDYPPY and the Athens Medical Association.
Through their contributions, the importance of institutional cooperation, prevention and the development of an information framework capable of effectively reaching younger generations was highlighted.
The presence of State representatives added considerable weight to the discussion, reaffirming that reproductive health and the prevention and management of infertility are issues requiring coordinated action and sustained social awareness.

THE SCIENTIFIC TRUTH BEHIND MALE FERTILITY

The second panel was equally substantive, featuring distinguished scientists who highlighted critical aspects of male reproductive health.

The discussion explored the decisive role of the andrologist in the life of a young man, the importance of timely medical monitoring and prevention from an early age, and the value of semen analysis as a fundamental diagnostic tool whenever there is a relevant medical indication or a need for further investigation.

The discussion also focused on the role of assisted reproduction in contemporary society, the growing need for public information and the fact that the male factor is involved in approximately 50% of infertility cases among couples.

At the same time, a deeply rooted social misconception was challenged: the belief that men retain their fertility indefinitely and can father children at any age without consequences. Scientific knowledge demonstrates that male fertility is also affected by age, with potential implications both for conception and for the health of future offspring.

The message was clear: prevention is not exclusively a women’s concern. Reproductive health is a shared responsibility, and informing boys from an early age can fundamentally change society’s attitude towards fertility and family creation.

In the second panel, the scientific community made its own strong contribution through the presentations of distinguished scientists and reproductive health specialists.

Participants:
• Vasilis Protogeros, President of the Hellenic Andrological Society, Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, and Professor at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
• Dr Georgios A. Kanakis, MD, PhD, Endocrinologist and Clinical Andrologist, and member of the Executive Council of the European Academy of Andrology.
• Dr Lina Evgeni, Reproductive Biologist and founder of the Cryogenia Cryopreservation Bank.
• Konstantinos Pantos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine and President of GENESIS ATHENS Clinic.
• Themistoklis Mantzavinos, President of ELEIYA (Hellenic Society of Physicians for Assisted Reproduction), Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Scientific Director of Institute of Life – IASO.
• Nikolaos D. Petrogianis, MD, PhD, MSc, Director of the Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hellenic Navy Hospital and Secretary General of the Hellenic Obstetric and Gynaecological Society.

Through the scientific knowledge and experience of these specialists, the need for male fertility to cease being a taboo subject and to be addressed with the same seriousness, responsibility and care afforded to every issue of reproductive health was clearly highlighted.

Early diagnosis, information, prevention and access to scientific knowledge are fundamental prerequisites for establishing a new culture surrounding male reproductive health.

EDUCATION AS THE FOUNDATION OF PREVENTION AND CHANGE

The third panel, dedicated to education, was of particular importance. Ms Cleo Sgouropoulou highlighted the potential of the university community and artificial intelligence in contemporary public information and the prevention of male infertility.

Special mention should be made of the initiative undertaken by the University of West Attica to establish its existing specialised postgraduate programme, as explained by Ms Efstathia Papageorgiou. The programme focuses on the prevention of male infertility and represents an important legacy of knowledge and awareness for future generations.

The panel also highlighted a broader perspective: the creation of a stable framework for cooperation, in which education, entrepreneurship, institutions and the scientific community will come together formally and in a coordinated manner around a common objective.

It was a proposal for an ongoing partnership that would transform information into knowledge, knowledge into prevention, and prevention into awareness among the younger generation.

The third panel, dedicated to Education, held a special place in the event, featuring an address by Member of Parliament Maria Syrengela and the participation of representatives of the academic community of the University of West Attica and the wider scientific community.

Participants:
• Cleo Sgouropoulou, Internal Member of the University Governing Council and Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, School of Engineering, University of West Attica.
• Efstathia Papageorgiou, Professor, Member of the University of West Attica Governing Council, Director of the Postgraduate Programme entitled “Educational Sciences through Innovative Technologies and Biomedical Approaches” and former Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Welfare.
• Evanthia Sakellari, Dean of the School of Public Health, University of West Attica.
• Anna Deltsidou, Chair of the Department of Midwifery and Professor at the University of West Attica.
• Agni Pantou, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, PhD candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens and Associate of GENESIS ATHENS Clinic.
• Achilleas Pilinis, final-year student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The panel highlighted the importance of knowledge, the educational process and informing young people, particularly through the outstanding contributions of a new and promising generation of scientists: Ms Agni Pantou and Mr Achilleas Pilinis.

Because prevention begins with education. And education is what can shape a generation that is better informed, more conscious and free from prejudice.

Education is not limited to the transmission of information. It is the starting point for creating a society that is knowledgeable, understanding and willing to take responsibility for its own health.
WHEN ART BECOMES A BEACON OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Art gave the event a distinctive human, emotional and deeply symbolic dimension. Music, spoken word and poetry became vehicles for the campaign’s message, carrying the importance of prevention beyond the boundaries of scientific information and directly into people’s hearts.

One of the most moving moments of the event unfolded when the much-loved singer-songwriter Lakis Papadopoulos invited lyricist Revekka Roussi onto the stage, together with Clelia Charissis, creator of the nationwide campaign and co-lyricist of its flagship song.

This was the song and music video “Na M’ Agapas Alithina” (“Love Me Truly”), created specifically to convey the campaign’s central communication message, with music by Lakis Papadopoulos and lyrics by Revekka Roussi and Clelia
Charissis:

In a moment that went beyond the boundaries of an artistic performance, the creators came together on stage and sang, joined by members of the audience, creating a unique atmosphere of emotion, unity and collective expression.
The stage became one great embrace, and the campaign’s song acquired its own living voice, with people becoming part of the very same message.

Equally special was the musical moment offered by Giannis Zouganelis, who performed on the piano a remarkable poem by our great poet Odysseas Elytis, set to music, bringing together the power of Greek poetry, music and the emotion of the evening.

Michalis Tzouganakis, the much-loved Cretan artist, added his own distinctive touch with his lute, bringing the authentic sound of Crete and his musical identity to this major gathering of culture and social awareness.
The participation of the “ARIADNI” Association of Persons with Disabilities of Argolis was equally moving, reminding everyone that the circle of life is a circle of inclusion, acceptance, dignity and solidarity.

At the same time, the event was complemented by an exhibition of visual artworks created by employees of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, under the theme “The Sea”, adding another creative dimension to the gathering. The exhibition was represented by Ms Evangelia (Vicky) Kaselimi and Mr Kostas Kyranis.

Their artworks brought distinctive colour and aesthetic value to the venue, while conveying a deeper message of contribution and solidarity, as the proceeds from the exhibition were allocated to support the “ARIADNI” Association of Persons with Disabilities of Argolis.

Because when Science provides the knowledge and Art gives the message a voice, prevention can become a shared consciousness.

DIALOGUE WITH THE AUDIENCE – THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION

Clelia Charissis, creator of the campaign and coordinator of the event, made a decisive contribution to its success by choosing an open and interactive presentation format.

With remarkable ease and communication skills, she connected the scientific and institutional presentations with questions, interventions and concerns raised by the audience, creating space for participation and fostering lively communication between the speakers and those attending.

Her ability to organically incorporate spontaneous dialogue into the flow of the event contributed substantially to its success, transforming it from a conventional conference into a collective experience of knowledge, exchange and awareness.

OFFICIAL HONORARY AWARDS BY UNESCO PIRAEUS AND ISLANDS

A particularly distinguished moment of the event was the official honorary awards ceremony organised by UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and International Action Art, recognising prominent personalities, representatives of institutions, businesses and organisations that supported the nationwide campaign “MAZI STON KYKLO TIS ZOIS” through their presence and contribution.

Among the distinguished personalities honoured were Mr Antonis Faraklas, Chief Executive Officer of Chartworld Shipping Corporation and a prominent representative of Greek shipping, recipient of the Efk-rantis Award 2022 – Best Manager in Shipping; Mr Antonis Pitsilos, President of Chios Marine Club; and Mr Konstantinos Pantos, the distinguished figure in Assisted Reproduction, described on stage as the great “Guru” of the field.

Honorary distinctions were presented by the Directors of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, Clelia Charissis, Angeliki Pitsiola and Aikaterini Moraiti, to:
• Ms Rouka, representative of Metropolitan General.
• Mr Konstantakis and Mr Themistoklis Mantzavinos, representing the IASO Group.
• Ms Kypriaou, representing Paschalidis Publishers.
• Mr Dionysios Nikolis and Mr Matthaios Markou, representatives of MSG Group Electrical Installations (MSG Group of Companies).
• Mr Periklis Belitsos, founder of Periklis Winosophy.
• The Hellenic Coast Guard Band.
• The visual artists and employees of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

Honorary awards were also presented to the distinguished artists who attended the event as ambassadors of the nationwide campaign: Giannis Zouganelis, who stars in the campaign’s promotional video; Lakis Papadopoulos; and Michalis Tzouganakis.

Special mention should be made of Mr Periklis Belitsos of Periklis Winosophy, who generously offered distinctive gifts to the award recipients through his wine and spirits business, adding yet another gracious and thoughtful gesture to the evening.

At the same time, Mr Dionysios Nikolis and Mr Matthaios Markou, representing MSG Group Electrical Installations, a company with a workforce of approximately 300 employees, highlighted an equally important dimension: a company’s responsibility towards its people.

In his address, Mr Nikolis expressed the company’s commitment to actively contributing to the information and awareness of its personnel regarding the prevention of male infertility and reproductive health.

This was an initiative of particular importance, as it carries the campaign’s message beyond the amphitheatre and into the workplace, where information can reach hundreds of people and have a meaningful impact on their everyday lives.

PERSONAL TESTIMONIES, HUMAN STORIES AND PASSING THE TORCH TO THE NEXT GENERATION

The awards ceremony, however, acquired an even deeper human dimension when the stage was transformed into an open space for personal testimonies, lived experiences and meaningful dialogue.

A particularly important contribution at this moment came from Ms Chrysanthi Stefanou, a representative of the Greek maritime sector, who shared her own personal perspective, opening the way for a broader discussion about life, family and the importance of information and prevention.
Her testimony, together with the personal story of Mr Periklis Belitsos, provided the impetus for opening the circle of dialogue even further.

Mr Belitsos shared a personal life experience with the audience, revealing that 22 years ago, he and his wife were able, thanks to assisted reproduction, to have two wonderful children.

A personal journey that today represents, for him, a deeply lived testimony of hope and gratitude.
As he also mentioned, one of his children is currently studying at the University of West Attica, in the very same institution where the event took place. A moving coincidence that gave his presence even greater symbolic significance.

And then something happened that gave the event an even more distinctive character.

The floor was passed to the younger generation.

University students in the audience took the microphone, raised questions, expressed their concerns, shared their thoughts and personal experiences, and actively participated in a dialogue that went far beyond the boundaries of a conventional conference.

The voices of younger people met the experiences of older generations; personal stories met scientific knowledge; and institutional positions met the genuine concerns of society.
The amphitheatre became a shared space for personal revelations, questions, the exchange of views and meaningful communication.

People of different ages and backgrounds gathered around the same table, not as mere listeners, but as equal participants in the conversation.

Concerns were raised regarding the younger generation, family, reproductive health, information, social responsibility and the need to speak openly about issues that concern us all, regardless of age.

Through this lively and interactive process, meaningful conclusions, new thoughts and questions emerged, extending beyond the four walls of the amphitheatre and addressing society as a whole.

Perhaps this was one of the event’s most important achievements: that, ultimately, there were no longer speakers and listeners, older and younger generations, institutional representatives and citizens.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were:

Charalambos Dimitriadis (Associate of the Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Outreach at the University of West Attica), Stathis Michalopoulos, Anastasios Argyriou, Erotas Nikitos, Georgios Lymperopoulos, Sara Eskenazy, Katerina Stamatopoulou, Ilias Papakonstantinou, Eva Papadatou, Stavros Baggiatis, Fani Pantiola, and many others.
WE ALL BECAME ONE.

Because prevention begins when we dare to ask questions, when we find the courage to share our experiences and when we truly listen to one another.

And the future is not built on words and wishes alone. It is built when personal experience becomes inspiration, when entrepreneurship assumes social responsibility and when the younger generation takes up the torch of knowledge and awareness.

“Life is a flash of lightning, yet we have time,” writes Nikos Kazantzakis.

We have time to make room for hope, give strength to prevention and recognise the value of what truly matters.

We have time to stand beside one another, because life is responsibility, contribution and an ongoing opportunity.

We have time to become its light…

Because every life deserves its chance.

MAZI… STON KYKLO TIS ZOIS!!!