With the participation of representatives from local government, the scientific community, businesses, European organisations and civil society bodies, the “Switch On Sustainability” conference took place on Wednesday, May 20, at the Serafio of the City of Athens. The event was organised by the City of Athens Energy Poverty Office as part of Sustainable Energy Days 2026.
The conference created a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences around the energy transition and the fight against energy poverty, highlighting the role cities can play in shaping policies with both social and environmental impact.
During his discussion with journalist Antonis Sroiter, who moderated the event, the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, noted:
The green transition cannot be only about technologies and infrastructure. It must be about people’s everyday lives, especially those most at risk of being left behind. For us, the Energy Poverty Office is an effort to bring energy policy closer to the real needs of citizens.
He also referred to the impact of the energy crisis on thousands of households in the city and underlined the importance of developing policies that connect sustainability with social cohesion.
The Mayor highlighted the initiatives implemented by the City of Athens through the Energy Poverty Office, including the exemption from municipal fees for hundreds of energy-vulnerable households that meet the criteria, energy counselling, the Energy Benefit Card offering discounts on services, and partnerships with energy communities and organisations.
The conference focused on key issues such as energy efficiency in the urban environment, the relationship between buildings and public health, financial tools for sustainable investment, and the need for the green transition to remain socially inclusive.
Elissaios Sarmas, CEO of Athens Development Agency S.A., emphasised the importance of collaboration between public bodies, the scientific community and civil society in developing practical solutions. He stated:
The major challenges facing cities require synergies, expertise and practical interventions with direct social impact. Through the Energy Poverty Office, we are trying to create a support model that connects energy policy with social protection and the sustainability of the city.
The conference’s thematic sessions brought together experts from the fields of energy, health, sustainability and investment. During the panels, participants explored issues related to smart energy solutions and climate resilience, the sustainable upgrading of buildings, and the connection between the quality of the built environment and public health.
The event concluded with a dialogue between organisations and beneficiary citizens, highlighting the importance of public participation in shaping policies on energy and sustainability.
“Switch On Sustainability” reaffirmed the need for cities to function not only as places where policies are implemented, but also as spaces of collaboration, innovation and social support, aiming for an energy transition that leaves no one behind.
