The Athens Stock Exchange marked the conclusion of its participation in the World Investor Week, an initiative jointly organized by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), with a ceremonial market opening led by the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, responsible for Primary, Secondary, and Special Education, Ms. Zetta M. Makri.

"Promoting financial literacy is a cornerstone of the National Strategy for the Development of the Greek Capital Market. For the Athens Stock Exchange, fostering financial education is essential in deepening engagement with the capital markets. Creating a new generation of financially informed and responsible citizens is both our responsibility and our goal. Through a range of initiatives, we continue to highlight the importance of financial literacy. Over the past few years, the ATHEX Academy has conducted more than 140 educational seminars, while numerous university students from both Greek and international institutions have visited the Exchange to gain insights into its operations. Our efforts do not stop here—we are designing and planning new initiatives to further enhance financial literacy, and every significant step in this direction will find the Athens Stock Exchange as a committed supporter,” stated Mr. Yianos Kontopoulos, CEO of the Athens Exchange Group.

Deputy Minister Ms. Makri emphasized the significance of financial education, stating: "It was an honor, in my capacity as Deputy Minister of Education, to ring the bell for the opening of today’s trading session, celebrating the global initiative ‘Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy’. The modern Greek educational system aims to equip students with essential skills, including financial literacy, through an enhanced curriculum and award-winning Skills Labs. In line with this vision, the Ministry of Education, as announced by Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, is increasing the hours dedicated to economics courses in secondary education. We are providing students and educators with the necessary tools to develop critical financial skills, ensuring the emergence of a new generation of financially informed and responsible citizens.”

The A’ Vice Chairman of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission, Mr. Michalis Fekkas, highlighted the importance of financial education and investor protection for the sustainability of capital markets. He presented key initiatives led by the Commission, including the development of the National Financial Literacy Strategy, the establishment of the Financial Literacy Portal, the creation of educational materials and investment guides, as well as the memorandum of cooperation between the Commission and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which includes guest lectures by Commission executives.

The event also welcomed faculty members and students from the senior class of the 50th General High School of Athens. The school’s principal, Ms. Polyxeni Dimakou, addressed the audience with a brief speech.