On Thursday, 24 October, 2002, TITAN hosted an event at the Athens Concert Hall dedicated to “Corporate Responsibility and Social Solidarity”. The evening was the final event of the centenary celebrations of the Company with its successful and enduring presence in both Greek and international markets.

October 24 also happens to be United Nations Day. Thus the event began with the video screening of an address by the UN General Secretary Kofi Annan. Mr. Annan spoke of initiatives in which the UN has backed collective endeavours in various fields : respect for human rights, labour rights and the environment – at both the national and international levels.

He also appealed to citizens throughout the world to stand by and support the United Nations.

The welcome speech by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Andreas Canellopoulos, was followed by an introduction by Mr. Theodore Papalexopoulos.

Among the main themes addressed were the mounting social problems both in our country and the world as a whole – problems arising from the continually growing volume of migration, unemployment, demographic changes and the ever-increasing number of dependent persons.

A substantial contribution to the effective tackling of these problems can be made by the business community working in partnership with civil society, to support the efforts of Non-Governmental Organisations.

The guest-speakers were His Beatitude Anastasios Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania, and Mrs. Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of the Republic of Ireland.

In an inspired address His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios stressed the religious dimension of social solidarity, the vital role of faiths as a whole but particularly of Christianity in maximising our interest in, respect and love for, our fellow citizens. He also pointed out the need for solidarity to play a fundamental role in defining the mission and objectives of every business, and the absolute requirement for each of us to commit to a social contract, pledging our own solidarity and support for tackling social problems more effectively.

Mrs. Mary Robinson focused on the need for corporate involvement: companies must work with the state, international organisations and the community at large to promote the ethical principles of a global economy.

In his closing remarks, the Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Dimitris Papalexopoulos, offered a pledge that the Company will remain faithful to its high social objectives. There are further plans to expand community activities and support for environmental protection, both in Greece and abroad.

Among those honouring the event with their presence were representatives of the Government, the Church, foreign embassies, the business community and all stakeholders.

The event ended with a concert by the “Dimitris Mitropoulos” Young People’s Orchestra of Piraeus, conducted by Raphael Pylarinos with Sonia Theodoridou, soprano.

The speakers were presented by Alexis Kostalas.