ATHENS – The importance of public education for social mobility and progress, looking back on the story of his parents who left a very small village in Greece for the US, was highlighted by the US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis in an address to the Delphi Forum VIII.

The US ambassador to Greece underlined that diversity, integration, equal access are a key priority for any enlightened society and that education is a basic human right, which must be equal and not exclude anyone.

In fact, he cited studies which show that education is a cornerstone for socioeconomic progress, pointing out the need to ensure equal opportunities for all in life.

“That is part of our ethos,” he stressed and classed as important the need to “bring all our children to school” and to give all children the opportunity to achieve their best, while he made a special reference to children with disabilities.