Exelixi Zois opened the dialogue on social footprint, youth autonomy, and child protection reform
ACT FOR THE FUTURE III, the annual initiative of Exelixi Zois, held for the third year, was a resounding success, opening a meaningful dialogue on the S pillar of ESG — the one that concerns society, responsibility, and people, and starts from the most important point: children, in the sensitive field of child protection.
This year's conference, with the central theme "ESG for S — Why the 'S' in ESG starts with children," highlighted the needs of the child protection system in our country, the challenges of adulthood for young people growing up in care facilities, and the opportunities for institutional change through collaboration, skills investment, and sustainable practices.
"S is not an indicator — it is the young person who fears turning 18."
In her opening remarks, Dimitra Kalantoni, President & CEO of Exelixi Zois, emphasized that the S in ESG can no longer be treated as a numerical indicator:
"S is the teenager who seeks guidance. It is the 18-year-old who fears the next day. It is the child who needs not only protection, but opportunities. And these children cannot wait."
Ms. Kalantoni presented a series of critical issues in the child protection system, including the "gap" that young people often encounter when they turn 18, emphasizing that turning 18 should not be a risk, but a safe bridge to autonomy.
Important new development: Approval for 11 new Semi-Independent Living homes
During her speech, Ms. Kalantoni announced an important development:
"The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has approved our three requests—in the new Semi-Independent Living program designed for young people growing up in closed child protection facilities. With this approval, 11 new homes have already been rented to house 23 young people coming out of institutional care."
The new units will operate in both Athens and Crete and are part of Exelixi Zoi's strategic plan to empower, deinstitutionalize, and empower young people.
Project results – Lives changed
During the event, an important honorary distinction was also presented:
"The President of the Hellenic Republic honored Exelixi Zois, awarding us a prize for our work in child protection, as part of the 2025 Nisides Piotitas Awards — an institutional event organized by the (City of Athens) Citizens' Movement for an Open Society, as an 'Outstanding Voluntary Effort'."
Ms. Kalantoni noted: "For us, this distinction was not personal. It was recognition for the children, for their strength and resilience. It was recognition for our team, our partners, and all of you who support us. Finally, the Evolution of Life award is an honor, but above all, a responsibility."
This was followed by a presentation of the organization's results:
- Over 300 young people have received support
- 40,000 hours of educational programs have been implemented
- 20,000 hours of psychosocial support have been provided
- 60 young people found work
- 48 young people found a safe home
- 15 young people were admitted to universities and vocational training institutes
As was emphasized, these figures are not just numbers, but life journeys and tangible examples of social impact.
Multi-stakeholder panels and interventions
ACT FOR THE FUTURE III included five discussion panels with the participation of distinguished representatives from the government, the market, civil society, and the academic community.
The topics included:
- Challenges in finding resources in the field of child protection
- Strategic alliances for child protection
- The role of technology in young people's transition to autonomy
- Developmental health and mental empowerment
- Innovative sources of funding in the field of child welfare
- Financial literacy and life preparation for vulnerable young people
A special moment was the testimonies of four young people who grew up in care facilities and are now building their lives independently.
Honorary award to Charalambos Taiganidis
The conference culminated with an honorary award for Greek Paralympian and Exelixi Zois ambassador Charalambos Taiganidis, who shared the inspiring message:
"Dreams have no limits."
Call for collaboration – S needs all of us
At the end of her speech, Ms. Kalantoni called on companies, organizations, and institutions:
"Child protection is not the work of one organization or one ministry. It is the work of a society that wants to move forward. Companies can provide mentoring, job opportunities, housing, education, life skills, guidance, networks, and prospects. This is not CSR. This is an investment in the country's human capital. It is an investment in all of our futures."
About Exelixi Zois
Exelixi Zois was founded in 2018 with an initial donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which supported the project until the end of 2024, with the aim of supporting adolescents and young adults from child protection structures in their transition to autonomy, deinstitutionalization, and social integration.
ACT FOR THE FUTURE is now an institution that brings together organizations, experts, and companies every year with the common goal of creating a child protection system that offers perspective, optimism, guidance, dignity, and protection to young people who need it.
