The Capital Link Annual Forum that took place in New York earlier in December honored Yannis Stournaras, Governor of the Bank of Greece, for his outstanding contribution to Greece and Europe.
The “2024 Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award” was presented during the official after the closure of the Forum whose central theme was the Greek economy and the inflow of foreign investments.
During his long and distinguished career and through the various positions he has held at the helm of major organizations (Minister of Finance, Governor of Bank of Greece, and more), following his academic career, Stournaras has made invaluable contributions to the European and Greek economies, Capital Link said in presenting the Award.
Also, he has been instrumental in keeping Greece as part of the Euro and in Greece’s return to economic growth and prosperity, it added.
Nicolas Bornozis opened the ceremony by making brief introductory remarks, welcoming and thanking all those who participated in the Forum, that had just concluded and the Forum.
Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of Greece to the United States, said that Stournaras is always optimistic.
“Even in the darkest moments of the economic crisis, without sugarcoating or concealing the truth, he steadfastly and publicly shared his belief and confidence in the potential of the Greek economy. An economy that not only regained investment grade but was also recognized by The Economist as the economy of 2023.”
John Paulson, President & Portfolio Manager – Paulson & Co., introducing Stournaras said: “A few years ago, I stood at this podium and told you that “Greece is back”. Tonight, I’m very happy to tell you that Greece is rising, and it’s rising fast!”
For Greece – he added – a bright future lies ahead. “And an individual who has played a leading role in bringing Greece to this point of great promise, who has served his country with great distinction, is our honoree, the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras. Tonight, we join together to celebrate his many and notable accomplishments.”
Stournaras gratified in accepting the Capital Link Award
Upon accepting the Award, Stournaras said that he is gratified to play a part in Greece’s economic recovery.
“Looking back, I am immensely gratified to have played my part, to the best of my ability and with the invaluable help of my highly competent associates in all my public engagements, first, in Greece joining the euro area, second, in Greece remaining in the euro area under the extremely adverse circumstances of the debt crisis, and, third, in Greece becoming – without exaggeration – a success story,” he said.
“In light of the hard lessons learned from the recent economic crisis, I believe that the so-called “systemic” Greek political parties have come to realize the country’s political and economic stability as well as European path as essential pillars. This realization creates
a unique opportunity for fostering a consensus political culture in Greece, which would facilitate the sharing of political cost, hence the effective implementation of necessary reforms,” Stournaras stressed.