News

Prof. Phoebe Koundouri has been included once again in the Stanford University & Elsevier Top 2% Scientists list (2025 edition), which recognizes the world’s leading researchers across all scientific fields.

This distinction highlights the research and academic excellence at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Department of International and European Economic Studies, as well as the collaborative efforts of her team, AE4RIA – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria, dedicated to advancing sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable growth.

On 25 September 2025, in an interview on Mega TV News in Athens, Greece, following the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa—the strongest storm of 2025, which struck Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China—Professor Phoebe Koundouri stressed the role of climate change in intensifying cyclones, making them stronger, wetter, and more destructive. She drew attention to the profound social and economic consequences of mass evacuations and called for urgent action, including the expansion of early warning systems, the design of resilient “sponge cities,” and the enforcement of stricter building standards to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Watch the full interview here

The AE4RIA team will actively participate in Climate Week NYC and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025 this September.

Our delegation will engage in high-level discussions on sustainable development, climate action, and global cooperation, alongside international leaders, institutions, and partners.

Schedule of Participation

September 17

• Sustainable Development Solutions Network Conference on Reform of the UN Charter | Interchurch Center, New York

September 18

• SDSN Networks Chairs Meeting | Interchurch Center, New York

September 19

• Member State Briefing on the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) | UN Headquarters, New York

• SDSN Leadership Council Meeting | Interchurch Center, New York

September 20

• PVBLIC Foundation Partnerships Day | SDG Media Zone, UN Headquarters, New York

• VIP Reception with the World Food Programme | SDG Media Zone, UN Headquarters, New York

September 21

• Food for Peace International Event – Guest Keynote Speech

September 22

• UNGA Event: Ages of Globalization Alpha Launch | Interchurch Center, Columbia Climate School

September 23

• SustainChain UNGA Side Event – LIFTOFF | Horizon Media Headquarters, New York

• NGIC Welcome Reception | New York

September 24

• XXXIV High-Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center: Multilateralism at a Crossroads | Harvard Club, New York

September 26

• UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub UNFCCC: 15th Systemic Innovation Workshop | KKR Office, New York

These events represent important opportunities to advance transformative climate solutions, foster inclusive partnerships, and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

On 4 September, in an interview with journalist Nicolas Kaufmann from Surplus Magazin, Prof. Phoebe Koundouri shares insights on Athens’ ambitious goal to become climate-neutral by 2030.

Athens faces rising heat, pollution, and a heavy reliance on cars, which limits the efficiency of public transport. To tackle these challenges, the city needs more public transport, electric vehicles, pedestrian zones, and green spaces, including microforests, to reduce urban heat. Achieving climate neutrality requires strategic planning, targeted funding, and strong institutions.

The SDSN Global Climate Hub, supported by Ae4ria – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria, is contributing to this effort by identifying systemic pathways for transport transformation—ensuring that change is not only technological, but also institutional and social.

Despite limited fiscal space, Athens can become a prototype of Southern European Green and Inclusive mobility by integrating sustainability principles, digital and green technologies, AI, and Machine Learning into transport developments. The proposed projects must be designed in the most integrated and human-centric way, while being de-risked and financed by both public and private capital. Athens needs to pave its sustainable pathway on science, technology, and integrated SDG-stimulus finance. According to Prof. Koundouri, this is absolutely achievable.

Read the full article here