Sustainability in the business sector, as well as in the economy and society, not as a theoretical concept or obligation, but as a business philosophy based on consistency, consistency, and investment in human capital, was the approach taken by OFET President Ioulia Tseti, speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum XI during the panel discussion“Sustainability Ecosystem: The Answer for the Longevity of the Economy and Society," on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The central point of her remarks was that true sustainability is expressed through daily practice: in how businesses operate, in their support for their people, and in their connection to society.
She emphasized that businesses must go beyond short-term performance metrics, such as speed or profit maximization, and focus on characteristics such as long-term presence, reliability, and resilience, especially in times of uncertainty and challenges. Drawing on Aesop’s fable“The Tortoise and the Hare,”she emphasized that persistence and consistency are what lead to long-term sustainable success.
Referring to sustainability in health and the life sciences, Ioulia Tseti emphasized that good public health is the foundation of a sustainable society and economy, highlighting the potential of the longevity economy and the role of significant scientific advancements in our time, such as regenerative medicine and epigenetic interventions.
These developments, he said, create new demands for highly specialized human resources. He emphasized that what is needed today is not just to live longer, but to live better and more functionally, by harnessing the potential of science and technology.
He placed particular emphasis on the human factor, describing employees as irreplaceable partners in any sustainability strategy. He underscored the importance of inspiring and retaining talent, particularly in challenging environments such as Greece, where the brain drain remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for competitive conditions and state support.
In this context, he highlighted the life sciences sector as a sector of the present and the future, one that creates substantial opportunities while contributing to social progress.
“For me, sustainability is the way we think every day, the way we invest and innovate, but also the way we inspire young people to stay in our country,” he emphasized.
At the same time, she highlighted the importance of continuity and consistency in sustainability policies and strategies, stressing that the lessons learned from past crises, such as supply chain disruptions, require a coordinated and long-term response.
Referring to technological developments, she highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, particularly in accelerating research and innovation. She cited as an example the reduction in development time for new product formulations, which, with the use of artificial intelligence, can be cut from four or five years to just eight months.
He emphasized that, although artificial intelligence can significantly reduce the time required to develop new products, it should be viewed as a tool to support employees rather than a substitute for human knowledge and creativity. Values such as ethics, commitment, and human conscience, he emphasized, remain irreplaceable.
“Employees are our allies. Mindset, commitment, and dedication are values that artificial intelligence cannot acquire,” she said emphatically.
Ioulia Tseti further argued that the development and application of artificial intelligence must be accompanied by clear rules and ethical principles, as it is a field that is constantly evolving and raises complex issues.
In closing, he linked sustainability to resilience, stability, and leadership grounded in values. He emphasized that sustainable business models require a stable environment and strategic foresight, particularly during a period of geopolitical challenges and supply chain disruptions.
As he notably pointed out, sustainability, competitiveness, and profitability are not conflicting goals, but interconnected pillars, when businesses operate guided by ethical principles and a strong people-centered approach.
Alexandra Palli, President of CSR Hellas, and Andreas A. Papandreou, Professor of Environmental Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, also participated in the panel discussion. The panel was moderated by journalist George Eugenides.