3rd New Eleusis Symposion - Re-Enchanting the World

How can we reconnect with the wonder of everyday life? 

Can myth and poetry engage in dialogue with science? 

Can work become a source of meaning and connection? 

Is it possible to reimagine our neighbourhoods, food, and economy—as acts of care? 

And ultimately, what does it mean to “re-enchant the world”? 

 

The 3rd New Eleusis Symposion returns to the land of the celebrated Mysteries—where, for over 1,500 years, the ideas of inner transformation and initiatory knowledge were cultivated—for three days of reflection, inspired dialogue, and visionary action. From 25 to 27 September 2025, the World Human Forum welcomes pioneering speakers of diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and corners of the world to the Old Oil Mill Factory of Eleusis, creating a space for a contemporary narrative of unity and personal and social transformation. 

With the theme “Re-Enchanting the World”, this year’s symposion focuses on how we can restore our relationship with life, nature, others, and ourselves, paving the way towards a new eco-civilisation. It is a call to action, urging a transformation of our daily experiences—from an anthropocentric worldview to a planetary consciousness—through choices that nourish rather than deplete, connect rather than isolate, and honour rather than exploit. 

The symposion is organised by the World Human Forum, with the support of the Region of Attica and 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, and in collaboration with the Municipality of Eleusis and the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica. 

The working language of the symposion is English. Simultaneous interpretation into Greek will be available.

 

The New Eleusis Symposia offer a unique platform to explore and redefine the intersection between ancient wisdom and the modern quest for meaning. Through interdisciplinary approaches, they bring together science, art, archaeology, spirituality, and social innovation. Over the course of three days, the public is invited to engage in a vibrant narrative of reconnection through experiential workshops, artistic performances, and live discussions. 

Themes and Speakers 

Topics to be explored at the 3rd New Eleusis Symposion include: 

• The arts for healing 

• Re-enchanting the economy, work, and neighbourhoods 

• Our relationship with food 

• Democracy as a shared vision 

• Children as humanity’s dream tank 

• The role of psychedelics in consciousness and healing 

The speaker and participant line-up includes, among others: 

Gina Belafonte, Franz X. Vollenweider, Christina Merkouri, Christina Dalla, Ornella Corazza, Nicholas Yatromanolakis, Nikos Tsouchlos, Phil Cousineau, Kostis Tselenis, Maria Loizidou, Ruth DeFries, Emmanuel I. Stratakis, Stefanos Gandolfo, Daniel A. Barber, Anis Barnat, Antonia Trichopoulou, Jehangir Mehta, Maria Loi, Hélène Landemore, Lex Paulson, Spyros Doukakis, Gary Bolles, Marlis Petersen, Pavlos Kavouras, and others. 

Artistic Events 

Each day of the symposion concludes with a unique artistic experience: 

• 25/9 (21:00) | Cine Eleusis: Screening of Mystery 14: Human Requiem in Eleusis by Stephan Talneau 

• 26/9 (20:30) | Old Oil Mill Factory: Musical performance Psychelectronica by Superwave (Leonidas Danezos & Tasos Sotiriou) 

• 27/9 (20:00) | Eleusis Archaeological Site & 29/9 (20:30) | Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall (Christos Lambrakis Hall): Performance Sacred Paths – From the Mysteries of Eleusis to Byzantine Chant and the Mevlevi Dervish tradition. The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, the Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens, Sokratis Sinopoulos, and Michail Marmarinos create a mystical experience at the iconic archaeological site of Eleusis and at Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall

Sponsors & Partners 

The 3rd New Eleusis Symposion is supported by: 

Main Sponsor: Piraeus Port Authority / P.P.P. SA – COSCO SHIPPING  

Sponsors: National Bank of Greece, Huawei, ELPEN Pharmaceutical Co. Inc., Qualco Group 

Donor: Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation 

Supported by: Region of Attica, 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture 

In collaboration with: Municipality of Eleusis, Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica 

The session Re-enchanting the Economy – Inspired by Nature is held in collaboration with the Athens Columbia Global Center 

The session Re-enchanting Democracy is organised in collaboration with the Athens Democracy Forum

Official airline partner: Aegean Airlines

Media Sponsors: ERT, Kosmos 93.6, Second Programme 103.7, Third Programme 90.9

Special thanks to: Rtdeco Event Services, View Master events

About the World Human Forum 

The World Human Forum is a think-and-do tank, a knowledge and action hub that seeks to contribute to the creation of a genuine ecological civilisation. With Delphi as its anchor and symbolic point of reference, it draws inspiration from iconic locations (Eleusis, Delos, Ancient Olympia, Aristotle’s Lyceum) and connects pioneering forces around the world, working towards a new narrative for humanity. Its methodology is embodied in the Delphic Cube, a holistic approach grounded in the values of sustainability and regeneration, democracy, education, inner transformation, science and technology, and art.