Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis
President and Founder
Biopolitics International Organisation
It is a great privilege to have as our speaker His Excellency The Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Moshe Gilboa. His participation at this important meeting strengthens the implementation of the goals of this conference. Decision makers participating at the Third B.I.O. International Conference, are dedication their efforts for the initiation of a world-wide bio-syllabus. There is an urgent need to incorporate the values of appreciation and a better understanding of bios (life) at all levels of education and to incorporate the progress of the biological sciences in fields such as philosophy, diplomacy, economics, law, media etc. since technology may be viewed as the pathway leading to a better future.
Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985. Since then, B.I.O. has developed rapidly and representatives from more than 40 countries are participating in the efforts to implement the B.I.O. goals. Individuals and educational institutions have already included B.I.O. ideals and resolutions in their work and the curricula. The enthusiastic support of participants in the three B.I.O. international conferences held between 1987 and 1989 has resulted in the publication of proceedings and the world-wide growth of the “Bios Theory”.
In an effort to bridge the gap between technological progress and societal values, Biopolitics International Organisation proposes the “Bios Theory” by promoting the implementation of the following:
- international co-operation for better understanding of bios (life). Parallel to internal problems, nations will have an international task. Advanced nations could undertake a world educational campaign through communication satellites to increase public awareness.
- promote the development of international legislation on “Bios Rights”. It is important to realise that environmental deterioration constitutes a threat to all forms of bios. In view of recent technological advances, new dimensions of understanding are arising. The respect for bios may serve as the core of thinking and action, so as to provide a harmonious future for the world. Bios recognises no ideological or geographical boundaries; no East-West, North-South or developed-developing countries. Bios provides the unifying force between all forms of life.
- the bio-assessment of technology, a dialectic approach in examining potential perspectives in all fields of human endeavour in an effort to improve the quality of life. Bios in the newt millennium may thus benefit from the positive aspects of technological contributions and the centre of gravity will be shifted from fear to hope. Greece is proposed as the ideal meeting place for people from all specialities to meet and assess progress and values. Scientists, academicians and philosophers, as well as every individual may bequeath their thoughts to a “Bank of Ideas”.
- the sensitisation of public opinion towards the ramifications of the biological sciences, and the impact this process may have on other fields of study (bio-diplomacy, bio-law, bio-economics, bio-art, bio-literature, bio-environment etc.)
- development of curriculum materials for pre-school, elementary, middle and higher levels of education. Universities and colleges are being encouraged to review their curricula and include Biopolitics in the study of theology, law, political science, the arts, business economics, since these fields are directly related to the biological sciences. Already, several universities have included Biopolitics as a course or major.
While setting the long-range philosophy of bio-education and respect for the bio-environment, immediate changes need to be incorporated in primary, secondary and university education. Public opinion is changing from day to day and the demands for the preservation and appreciation of bios are of utmost importance.
The fruitful outcome of this meeting, a proposal for a bio-syllabus, is due to enlightened leaders like Ambassador Gilboa, willing to dedicate their energy and experience for the protection of the bio-environment and the preservation of bios on our planet.
I wish to express deep appreciation on behalf of Biopolitics International Organisation to the following sponsors who contributed to the realisation of this meeting: The Ministry of Culture; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs; A.G. Leventis Foundation; The National Tourism Organisation; Commercial Bank of Greece; Rank Xerox; National Bank of Greece; A.G. Petzetakis S.A.; Bank of Greece; Hellenic Plastic & Rubber Industry; A.B. Vassilopoulos; P. Zeritis, Thrace Paper Mills (DIANA); National Bank of Greece; Hellenic Industrial Development Bank; American Express; N. Kouvaras, Kitty P. Kyriacopoulos.
Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis founded B.I.O. in 1985, after having dedicated over 20 years to teaching and research in biology. In 1990, she launched the International University for the Bio-Environment and, in 1992, a campaign for Bios Prizes and cease-fire during the Olympics. A recipient of many high distinctions, she was elected, along with M. Gorbachev, N. Mandela and M. Strong, Honorary President for Life by the UNA of Sri Lanka, and is also an Abdi Ipekci Peace and Friendship Prize laureate. She is Vice President of the International Bioethics Society, Member of the Journal of Cleaner Production Advisory Board, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Uganda National Foundation for Research and Development, Vice President of the UNESCO-MAB Hellenic National Committee, Commissioner on the Global Commission to Fund the UN, Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, the International Academy of Ecology, Human and Nature Safety Sciences, the Hellenic Philosophical Society and the National Society of Greek Writers. Author of poetry books, she is also Honorary Professor of St. Petersburg State University for Plant Polymers and Doctor Honoris Causa of Mendeleyev University. In 1995 she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a nomination renewed in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
