The ceremony began with an address by the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, followed by a presentation of the honoree’s work (Laudatio) by the Chairman of the Department of Economics, Professor Ioannis Pollalis.
In his opening speech, Rector Professor Michail Sfakianakis emphasized that conferring an honorary doctorate is the highest distinction a university can bestow, reserved for individuals whose actions embody best practices and whose values serve as a guiding light for society. Georgios Zavvos, having had a distinguished and multifaceted career as a Member of the European Parliament, Ambassador of the European Commission, Deputy Minister of Finance responsible for the financial system, and President of the Hellenic Development Bank, has worked consistently and with a strong sense of responsibility to rehabilitate the balance sheets of Greek banks during the crisis period, drawing funds from international markets rather than burdening the Greek taxpayer. His leadership at the Hellenic Development Bank has marked its transformation from a lending institution into a bank with vision, social impact, equality, innovation, and as a multiplier of capital and knowledge—ultimately becoming widely known as the "Bank of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises."
The presentation of the honoree's work (Laudatio) was delivered by Professor Ioannis Pollalis, Chairman of the Department of Economics, who outlined Mr. Zavvos’s impressive career and the broader impact it has had on Greece. He emphasized how his work contributes to shaping the country’s economic strategy with a European mind set, developmental determination, and a clear footprint on small and medium-sized enterprises, the economy, society, and the country as a whole.

The ceremony concluded with a speech by the honoree, who expressed his gratitude to the University and the School for the honor bestowed upon him. In an inspiring address, he presented a new development strategy for Greece, highlighting innovation as the central pillar that must permeate both the economy and society—not merely as technological advancement but as a strategic transformation. He focused on applying innovation as a dynamic lever of synergy in four critical sectors: energy, defence, the financial system, and institutions. Through this multi-level approach, he outlined a new development model for Greece based on the combined strengthening of these sectors through innovation. He also stressed the need for coordination between national and European policies so that the country can respond to modern challenges and seize the opportunities of the new industrial era.
Among those attending the ceremony were leading academics, government and institutional representatives, including:
The ceremony was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Kostis Hatzidakis, Vice President of the Government, and Ioannis Sarmas, former Prime Minister. Representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate was Archimandrite Ioannis Savvakis, while the Church of Greece was represented by Metropolitan Bishop Symeon of Phthiotis. Also in attendance were Christos Staikouras, former Minister of Finance, and Alkiviadis Stefanis, former Minister of National Defense and Governor of Mount Athos. Niki Theotokatou, President of the Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority, was present, along with Evangelia-Elisavet Kouloumpini and Konstantinos Kostopoulos, Vice Presidents of the Hellenic Court of Audit. The event was also attended by Dimitris Tsakonas, General Director of the Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA), Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs and Extroversion, and Ismini Papakyriyllou, CEO of the Hellenic Development Bank.