VICKY PAPAGEORGOPOULOU interview, Vice-president of of the International Awards (WIWIAA)

LTR - Ambassador of Georgia Mr. Levan Beridze, VICKY PAPAGEORGOPOULOU, Co-Founder & Vice President of the Who is Who International Awards, Dimitrios Goris, during the glittering award ceremony at the Who is Who International Awards 2024 in Athens, Greece. All images courtesy of WIWIAA.

Born in Hannover, Germany Vicky traces her origins to Trikala, Thessaly. She was a founding member of THEMELIA FINANZPLANUNG in Hannover until 2007. Since 2019, Vicky is the Vice-President of the Who is Who International Awards, which are held every year with great success in Greece, and the Administrator of the Non-Profit Company (AMKE) Who is Who International Academy & Awards. Vicky is a member of the Panhellenic Women's Association "KALLIPATEIRA", the Lion Helen Keler Club and the AHEPA Daughters of Penelope-YPATIA D443. 

The Organization Who is Who was established in Greece in 2007. Since 2019, personalities from around the world are recognized by Who is Who International Awards at an award ceremony that takes place each year in Athens. What is your role within the Who is Who International Awards and how long have you held this position?

VICKY PAPAGEORGOPOULOU - As the Vice President of the Who is Who International Academy & Awards (WIWIAA) since 2019, my role encompasses overseeing the global reach and continued success of our prestigious awards program. Along with my husband, we have elevated the Who is Who brand internationally, honoring remarkable personalities who embody leadership, innovation, and cultural impact. My focus lies in shaping the awards ceremony, ensuring that it remains a beacon of recognition for extraordinary individuals from all walks of life. This esteemed role allows me to bring forward the values of friendship, unity, and excellence on an international platform, bridging cultures through recognition.

Besides a general goal to support a discourse on leadership and the qualities and strategies needed to meet the world’s challenges, what is the specific aim of the Who is Who International Awards and core values?

The Who is Who International Awards are driven by a singular vision: to celebrate leadership and the transformative power of individuals who dedicate their lives to making a global impact. Beyond simply honoring achievements, the awards aim to foster unity, cultural exchange, and mutual recognition across continents. At the heart of our institution lies a commitment to integrity, empowerment, and social responsibility. The core values we uphold include innovation, sustainability, and social contribution, always striving to highlight personalities whose actions echo across borders, inspiring others to rise to the challenges of a constantly evolving world.

What types of general award categories exist today? What is the international jury's general structure and selection process of nominated personalities?

The Who is Who International Awards encompass several distinguished categories, including Global Leadership, Innovation in Technology, Cultural Excellence, Humanitarian Impact, and Women Leaders. Each award category is crafted to reflect the dynamic nature of today’s world, honoring individuals who exhibit excellence across these fields. Our international jury is composed of highly respected leaders, thought-makers, and visionaries from business, academia, arts, and philanthropy. The selection process is rigorous, with nominees being meticulously evaluated based on impact, legacy, and global influence. The jury ensures that each recipient truly exemplifies the values that make the Who is Who Awards so prestigious.

LTR - Professor Dame OLGA MROZ and VICKY PAPAGEORGOPOULOU. 

How important is the charity aspect for the organization? Do you work together with specific organizations to strengthen philanthropic actions?

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Who is Who brand. Our belief in the power of giving back is ingrained in our every action. We take pride in supporting a wide range of charitable causes, from global humanitarian efforts to local cultural initiatives. Through strategic partnerships with respected philanthropic organizations, we are able to elevate their mission while simultaneously inspiring our honorees to engage in social impact projects. The Who is Who Club serves as a platform for fostering philanthropic connections, ensuring that our network of influential leaders continues to drive positive change globally.

This year the annual event expands internationally to Cyprus with two announced events in Greece and Cyprus, respectively. How significant is the strategic decision to expand the event internationally?

The expansion of the Who is Who International Awards into Cyprus represents a pivotal moment in our growth. This international extension underscores our commitment to recognizing global leaders from all corners of the world. Cyprus, with its rich history and cultural significance, offers the perfect backdrop to showcase the universal nature of leadership. Our events in both Greece and Cyprus reflect our strategy to build a transnational community, linking countries and continents through a shared vision of excellence and achievement. This international expansion is more than a geographical move; it is an evolution of our mission to unite diverse cultures and honor those whose actions resonate far beyond borders.

What dates are confirmed for this year edition of the Black Tie & Red-Carpet Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony and side events?

This year’s highly anticipated Black Tie & Red-Carpet Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony will take place in Cyprus on 4th June, with Athens following shortly after on 3rd July 2025. These events promise an unforgettable evening of elegance, celebration, and recognition, where international dignitaries, thought leaders, and trailblazers come together to honor exceptional individuals. Alongside the Gala, a series of exclusive side events will provide opportunities for business networking, cultural exchanges, and strategic collaborations.

Is there an opportunity to join side events, business networking, or development of diplomatic relations?

Absolutely. The Who is Who International Awards is not only about celebrating achievements but also about forging new connections. Our side events, including business networking sessions and exclusive diplomatic forums, offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage in high-level discussions, form strategic alliances, and cultivate relationships that transcend geographical and professional boundaries. These events are designed to spark meaningful dialogue, facilitate global collaborations, and further strengthen the diplomatic ties among nations, industries, and communities.

What type of support does the event receive from the Ministry and authorities?

The Who is Who International Awards enjoys strong support from key Ministries and governmental authorities, including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local municipalities. This endorsement is a testament to the credibility and prestige of the awards. Their involvement ensures that the event receives both logistical and diplomatic backing, elevating the experience and broadening the impact of the recognition. It also provides us with the platform to showcase Greece’s leadership in culture, arts, and global diplomacy, while contributing to the strengthening of international relations.

The statuettes—sculptures—are handmade in Greece, each with a unique collection number and new artist. How important is it for awards to recognize and highlight Greek artisans and artisan tradition?​

The handcrafted statuettes awarded at the Who is Who International Awards are not merely symbols of achievement; they are representations of Greece’s rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship. Each statuette is a unique work of art, designed and created by local Greek artisans, making them a celebration of cultural heritage. Recognizing Greek artisans through our awards allows us to honor and preserve the tradition of Greek craftsmanship while providing global exposure for these exceptional artists. These sculptures embody not only the essence of the recipient’s achievements but also the timeless beauty of Greek artistry, serving as a lasting tribute to both the awardees and the artisans who craft them.
 
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