Symposium Explores the Intersection of Global Health, Ethics, and Spirituality at the Maliotis Cultural Center

The Maliotis Cultural Center was honored to host an important symposium, “The UN Global Health Agenda: Concerns, Values, and Spirituality,” organized by the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in collaboration with the Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS). This timely gathering brought together leading scholars, faith leaders, and advocates to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of global health challenges.

The symposium emphasized the urgent need to address health disparities, uphold human dignity, and promote justice in healthcare policies worldwide. It provided a unique platform for dialogue at the intersection of faith, science, and global responsibility, underscoring the moral imperatives that should guide public health initiatives.

Two distinguished speakers shared their expertise and insights:

• Dr. Othon Iliopoulos, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, delivered a compelling address on “Global Health Challenges and Social Responsibility.” He highlighted the pressing health issues that require not only scientific innovation but also ethical and compassionate engagement. Dr. Iliopoulos particularly emphasized the need for prevention in healthcare and the importance of addressing mental health issues, recognizing them as fundamental aspects of overall well-being.

• Dr. Petros Vamvakas, Associate Professor of Political Science at Emmanuel College, spoke on “Global Health Inequalities,” challenging participants to confront systemic disparities in healthcare access and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice.

The symposium fostered meaningful discussions on the role of spirituality in shaping health policies and the collective responsibility to uphold the dignity of every person. Participants engaged in thoughtful exchanges, reinforcing the idea that global health is not merely a scientific endeavor but also a moral and spiritual calling.

As the event concluded, Rev. Dr. Vassilios Bebis, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s representative at ACUNS and a discussant at the symposium, expressed his profound gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, Director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations, for their leadership and support in organizing this initiative. He also extended his heartfelt thanks to the distinguished speakers and academics from various Boston universities, whose participation enriched the discussions and highlighted the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges.

“Our work today is not just a dialogue but a collective call to action—a reaffirmation of the sacredness of life, the dignity of every person, and our shared responsibility to care for one another as stewards of God’s creation,” Rev. Dr. Bebis stated.

The success of the symposium underscores the growing recognition that faith communities, academic institutions, and international organizations must work together to address the complexities of global health. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America remains committed to fostering dialogue and action on these critical issues in collaboration with global partners as an accredited NGO at the United Nations since 1985.