A presidential decree instituted World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) to consult and advise the Greek State on issues concerning the Greeks abroad. A firm demand and vision expressed by World Hellenism finally materialized enjoying broad political consent. The Founding Assembly of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad convened on November 29 through December 8, 1995 in Thessaloniki and elected th
e dynamic Andrew A. Athens from Chicago, USA, to the presidency (1995-2006). SAE initially comprised of four geographic Regions managed by an 11-member Presiding Board, while Thessaloniki became established as SAE’s permanent headquarters and “capital city” of World Hellenism
Maturity and solid experience acquired over the years consolidated the belief that SAE can evolve into an organization with a great future. The implementation of Law No. 3480/2006 gave SAE new impetus guaranteeing its consultative, advisory, assertive and supportive role to the Greek State.Pursuant to the new Law the number of Regions increased from four to seven. The 6th World Convention in December 2006 elects Stefanos P. Tamvakis to the president’s office. The biggest challenge and SAE’s main goal is to establish cooperation, offer support and unite World Hellenism making it even stronger. SAE’s main goal is to bring together the Greeks of the Diaspora creating a global Network aimed at planning and materializing programmes for the benefit of the Omogeneia to be subsequently conveyed to the Greek State thus fulfilling its role as an advisory and consultative body.
