Advancing the Nursing Workforce in Armenia and Greece as Advocates for the Care of Displaced Populations
Conference Addresses the Growing Healthcare Needs of Displaced Persons
On April 7–8, 2025, the Athens Columbia Global Center, in collaboration with the Columbia University School of Nursing Center for Healthcare Delivery Research and Innovations, the American University of Armenia, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, hosted a two-day symposium titled "Advancing the Nursing Workforce in Armenia and Greece as Advocates for the Care of Displaced Populations."
Held at the Department of Nursing at the University of Athens, the symposium welcomed more than 200 participants, including Greek university students, nursing professionals, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from international organizations. Over 30 speakers from across the healthcare, academic, and nonprofit sectors contributed their insights.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Chair of the Department of Nursing, Professor Pavlos Myriantheas, in collaboration with Professor Lusine Poghosyan, from the Nursing School of Columbia University, and the Director of the Columbia Global Center in Athens, Stefanos Gandolfo.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Nikolaos Papaioannou; the Acting President of the Governing Council of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Nikolaos S. Thomaidis; and the Secretary-General for Vulnerable Citizens and Institutional Protection of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Heraklis Moskof.
The symposium highlighted the growing pressure on health systems, due to the ongoing displacement crisis. Nurses, who are often the first point of contact for displaced persons, play a critical role in bridging gaps in care and advocating for patients who face legal, linguistic, financial, and psychosocial barriers.
Over two days, the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Panel discussions and field-focused presentations on Day 1 explored legal frameworks, trauma-informed care, civil-military cooperation, and refugee social inclusion. Speakers from UNHCR, Médecins du Monde – Greece, Red Cross Greece, The HOME Project, St Vincent’s University Hospital (Ireland), the Hellenic Navy, and academic institutions including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the American University of Armenia, Columbia University, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki addressed both common and context-specific challenges in caring for displaced populations. Their contributions reflected a rich spectrum of expertise, from public health and social work to legal advocacy and field operations.
Student-led presentations offered global perspectives and fresh insights. Presenters from Columbia University, the American University of Armenia, and NKUA examined nurses' roles in trauma response, psychosocial support, and care delivery within complex humanitarian contexts. Discussions underscored the shared experiences of displaced populations in various countries and the need for integrated care involving both nurses and social workers.
Day 2 featured working groups that focused on the fields of practice and education, research, and policy. These sessions brought together international scholars, next-generation nursing faculty, field practitioners, and social workers. Group discussions culminated in shared findings and recommendations, which will inform a forthcoming publication on advancing nursing advocacy in displacement settings.
Closing remarks were delivered by Sofia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all speakers, participants, and collaborators for contributing to a dynamic and impactful symposium. Special thanks to the Columbia University School of Nursing, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the American University of Armenia for their partnership and vision.
This gathering reaffirmed the vital role of nursing in advancing equitable healthcare access for displaced populations and underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary, cross-border collaboration in meeting the challenges of forced migration.