The Department Chair, Associate Professor Marina-Selini Katsaiti, delivered a speech on Friday, March 13, 2026, titled “UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Role of Happiness.” Teachers from schools in Itea-Greece, Antalya-Turkey, and Malpils-Latvia participated in the lecture. In her speech, Dr. Katsaiti focused on the slow progress demonstrated by a large percentage of countries worldwide regarding the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She highlighted the challenges in collecting statistical data, which are particularly prevalent in developing countries, and analyzed the limited attention given by policymakers worldwide to issues concerning happiness and the feasibility of achieving the goals in conjunction with de-growth (lower rates of economic growth).

The speech is part of the activities organized by the 1^st Elementary School of Itea during the week of March 9–13, 2026, as part of the European Erasmus+ program titled: “ELYX ON THE ROADS” with code number 2024-1-PL01-KA210-SCH-000247614 – Small-scale partnerships – School Education Sector.”

The project is being implemented in partnership with the following partner schools: Fundacia Tale Euro Est, Poland; Guzeloba Ilkokulu, Antalya, Turkey; and Malpils Vidusskola, Malpils, Latvia.

The program aims to effectively raise students’ awareness of the European Union’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals through creative methods such as writing fairy tales and digital storytelling. Students will strengthen their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of sustainability issues. The partner schools are: FUNDACJA TALE EURO EST (Poland), Guzeloba Ilkokulu (Antalya, Turkey), and Malpils Vidusskola (Malpils, Latvia).

^1stPrimary School of Itea: Engaging in and creating digital fairy tales related to the goals:

• Ending poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Reduced inequalities
• Peace, justice, and strong bonds