ATHENS, Greece, October 10, 2026 – WGES Global™, a U.S.- founded nonprofit organisation that has brought together leaders in energy innovation, sustainability and public health since 2009, presented its 2026 NOVA Awards on the evening of October 7 at NYN ESTI in Athens.
The ceremony took place as part of the WGES Global™ International Symposium & EXPO, held October 6–8 under the auspices of the City of Athens. The event was co-hosted by the University of West Attica as academic coordinator, Safe-Drive.org and La Nazionale Piloti. Symposium sessions were hosted at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST).
For security reasons, the official WGES Global™ Athens 2026 NOVA Awards VIP Reception was held strictly by special invitation and was not open to the general public.
The evening was co-hosted by Daisy Gallagher, AMSc, CPM, CCHT, Founder and CEO of GGW, Inc. and WGES Global™ Organising Team Lead (U.S./Greece), and Dr. Kostas Mastorakis, DVM, Vice President of La Nazionale Piloti, WGES Global™ Athens Ambassador to Greece and member of the Organising Committee.
The programme featured the presentation of the NOVA Awards, special musical performances and distinguished international guests. Under the awards protocol, each award is presented in person to the honouree or an authorised representative; otherwise, the presentation is deferred until the award can be accepted.
A Message from WGES Global™
“Since 2009, the NOVA Awards have recognised individuals and organisations that turn knowledge, innovation and commitment into meaningful action and lasting impact,” said Professor Robert, President and Executive Chairman of WGES Global™.
“This year’s honourees embody that mission. La Nazionale Piloti has transformed the passion of motorsport into €15 million in support of public health research and underserved communities. Dr. Stelios Kympouropoulos has advanced independent living and inclusive care for people with disabilities. Dr. Ashish Joshi is preparing the next generation of public health leaders, while Elder George has revitalised families and abandoned land in Trikala.
“For nearly two decades, WGES Global™ has united leaders around one fundamental principle: the world’s greatest challenges demand collaboration, practical solutions and people determined to turn vision into action. We extend our sincere thanks to the City of Athens, our co-hosts and partners for helping make this historic evening possible.”
The NOVA Award Honourees
La Nazionale Piloti
Founded in 1979 by Mario Di Natale, with early support from Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese, La Nazionale Piloti is Italy’s national team of professional racing drivers. Through charity matches and events, it has mobilised €15 million, connecting sustainable public health research with communities that have limited access to resources and services.
The award recognises the organisation’s use of motorsport’s global reach to advance public health. It was accepted by Dr. Kostas Mastorakis, President of Safe-Drive.org and Vice President of La Nazionale Piloti.
Dr. Stelios Kympouropoulos
Dr. Stelios Kympouropoulos is a psychiatrist and former Member of the European Parliament, where he served on the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Disability Intergroup. He co-founded i-living, the first organisation in Greece dedicated to promoting independent living for people with disabilities.
He was honoured for advancing a sustainable, inclusive approach to healthcare, with particular emphasis on mental health, public health and accessibility.
Dr. Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH
Dr. Ashish Joshi is Dean and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Memphis School of Public Health. A pioneer in population health informatics, he established the first Public Health Diplomacy Lab in the United States and founded Public Health Clubs, introducing high-school students in Memphis and internationally to public health education.
He received the award for his transformative leadership in global public health and also delivered a keynote address at the Symposium.
Father (Elder) George Alevras
Father George Alevras, a hieromonk of Mount Athos, promotes environmental, spiritual and cultural awareness. Through the community initiative Ambeli, he has helped restore abandoned land and revitalise local communities in his native Trikala. He also leads the TRIKI Centre, which creates employment opportunities for families in need through local food production.
Elder George was named a NOVA Award recipient in 2022 for his commitment to sustainable practices and supporting underserved people. As he was unable to travel to the United States to accept the award at that time, its presentation was deferred until this year’s ceremony in Athens. The award was accepted on his behalf by his spiritual daughter, Alexandra Papakonstantinou.
Special Musical Performance
A highlight of the evening was a performance by singer Vicky Karnezi, accompanied on keyboards by award-winning musician and composer Vangelis Vasileiou, a longtime collaborator of Notis Sfakianakis. Known for her dynamic stage presence and distinctive voice, Karnezi has worked with Anna Vissi and Giorgos Mazonakis and has released original songs in Greece and internationally.
Previous NOVA Award Recipients
Previous NOVA Award recipients include the City of Philadelphia for its Greenworks programme, accepted by Mayor Michael Nutter; Brazil for its sustainability programme in Rio de Janeiro; and Tishman, Dow and Johnson Controls for corporate leadership and innovative technologies, with awards accepted by their respective executives.
Other recipients include Drexel University for its Smart House programme, accepted by the Dean and students; the District of Columbia for its Sustainable DC plan, accepted by Mayor Vincent Gray; the University of the District of Columbia CAUSES for its Urban Food Hubs, accepted by Founding Dean Dr. Sabine O’Hara; and the U.S. General Services Administration for high-performance buildings and net-zero retrofits, accepted by Chief Sustainability Officer Kevin Kampschroer.
Acknowledgements
WGES Global™ thanks the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) for hosting the Symposium sessions and NYN ESTI for hosting the NOVA Awards ceremony. It also extends its appreciation to the City of Athens; co-hosts Safe-Drive.org and La Nazionale Piloti; the University of West Attica and its School of Public Health as academic coordinator; the Cultural Centre of the Church of Greece; the WGES Global™ Board and leadership; and all participants and supporters.
About WGES Global™
Founded in 2009, WGES Global™ is a U.S.- founded, non-political, nonprofit international NGO. It brings together representatives of academia, business, industry and the public sector to exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions for sustainability, public health and economic vitality. Its masterclass-style exchanges are designed to foster networking, collaboration and measurable outcomes. Learn more at www.WGESGlobal.com.
Media Contacts:
On behalf of WGES Global, Inc.
Ms Brittney Aponte
[email protected]
Professor Robert Gallagher
+1-202-465-0009
[email protected]
Dr. Konstantinos Mastorakis
WGES Global™ Ambassador
Vice President, La Nazionale Piloti
President, Safe-Drive.org
[email protected]
Dr. Vassilia Orfanou
Chief Operating & Innovation Officer
International Media & Press
Headline Diplomat eMagazine
LUDCI.eu
[email protected]
Saia Tsaousidou
Journalist
Association of European Journalists, Greek Section, President
www.aej.gr
www.aej.org
[email protected]
The WGES Forum 2026 was officially moderated by Dr. Vassilia Orfanou, Chief Operating & Innovation Officer, International Media & Press Ecosystem, LUDCI.eu and a C-level Fractional, Senior Key Expert of over 500 projects globally, controlling over a 800 million value portfolio and growing.
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