Ambassador (a.h.) Michael B. Christides

Co-Chair, Organizing Committee

Balkans & Black Sea Forum

Ambassador Michael B. CHRISTIDES joined the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1976 as first in his Class and served with distinction until his retirement in September 2014. Among other assignments he served as Ambassador of Greece to Bulgaria, to Türkiye and to Argentina and held senior posts in the Hellenic MFA. He spent more than 20 years dealing with S.E. European / Balkan issues, while travelling extensively in the region. He acquired a broad knowledge of the political and economic realities there and established a wide personal network of high-level contacts. Folloeing his retirement, he was elected as Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization, assuming his duties in July 2015. He was unanimously reappointed for a 2nd mandate, until July 2021. Under his guidance the BSEC Organization matured into a trustworthy partner and interlocutor on the international scene. Today he is actively engaged with: (a) Thessaloniki Innovation & Technology Center (Thess-INTEC), Advisory Board He is a member of the Advisory Board, responsible for International Relations. (b) Balkan & Black Sea Forum, Organizing Committee He is the Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of this platform. (c) Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Black Sea, Leadership Council He is a member of the Leadership Council of the above Network. (d) World Tourism Forum Institute He is a member of the WTFI Consultative Board, International Council.