BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:unctad.org BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6ae55e845bfa1 DTSTART:20260311T090000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE DTEND:20260311T110000Z LOCATION:Palais des Nations\, Geneva\, Switzerland SUMMARY:Breaking the debt cycle: Digitalization and structural reforms as d rivers of growth and debt reduction – the Greek experience CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:To emerge from a deep and prolonged economic and debt crisis\, Greece undertook a broad program of economic and administrative reforms ai med at restoring fiscal sustainability\, reviving growth\, and strengtheni ng social cohesion. Since 2019\, Greece achieved record debt reduction\, i mproving its debt-to-GDP ratio from 209% to less than 140% in 2026\, while achieving renewed economic growth and safeguarding vulnerable social grou ps. These outcomes were not the result of austerity measures\, but of stru ctural reforms\, with the digital transformation of the state playing a ce ntral role in improving public administration\, increasing revenues\, redu cing costs\, enhancing transparency\, and attracting investments. Other st rategic interventions\, such as leveraging the energy transition to renewa ble energy sources\, in order to reduce energy costs and attract investmen ts\, were also key enablers.Greece’s experience offers practical lessons and transferable best practices for countries facing high debt burdens an d limited fiscal space on how growth\, debt reduction\, and social protect ion can be pursued simultaneously\, while avoiding socially disruptive and counterproductive draconian austerity measures.ObjectivesIn an interactiv e panel\, the event aims to:Present Greece’s post-crisis reform trajecto ry as a case study of integrated economic transformationHighlight the role of digitalization in strengthening public finances through higher revenue collection\, reduced administrative costs\, and improved service delivery Showcase how simplifying procedures and modernizing legislation can suppor t growth and fiscal sustainability.Identify policy lessons and best practi ces\, such as using the energy transition as a driver for economic growth and investment\, relevant for developing countries seeking inclusive growt h and debt reductionFoster dialogue between policymakers\, international o rganizations\, and development partnersProgrammeOpening RemarksKeynote Pre sentation by Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance of Greece\, G iorgos Kotsiras “Greece’s post-crisis reform model: digitalization\, s tructural reforms\, and fiscal outcomes”Panel DiscussionDigitalization a nd revenue mobilizationSocial protection and inclusive reform designThe en ergy transition as a driver for inclusive economic growth and investmentIn teractive DiscussionReflections from member states and international organ izationsClosing remarksSpeakersH.E. Ambassador Ioannis Ghikas\, Permanent Mission of GreeceH.E. Ambassador Salomon Eheth\, Permanent Mission of the Republic of CameroonMs. Regina Sancha\, SpainDr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo\, Af rican Union CommissionMs. Christine Caralis Wallier\, Building Bridges Fou ndationMr. Haris Antoniou\, Codrus CapitalParticipationThe event is intend ed for delegates of member States\, and it presents a unique opportunity t o gain critical insights into a country experience to replicate policy too ls for developing economies and understand how digital and green transitio ns can reinforce fiscal sustainability.Follow onlineA Youtube livestream w ill be available for those who cannot attend in person or wish to watch th e recording.RegistrationOnline registration is mandatory for all those wis hing to attend the meeting. Early registration is advisable so that timely approval may be received for the issuance of a ground pass to the Palais des Nationshttps://youtube.com/live/zhtXeL1J4O8?feature=share"\; targe t="\;_blank"\; title="\;Follow on YouTube\n\nView meeting on u nctad.org\nhttps://unctad.org/meeting/breaking-debt-cycle-digitalization-a nd-structural-reforms-drivers-growth-and-debt-reduction DTSTAMP:20261031T032036Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR