The Roots of SAE

The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) is an historic international movement that unites Hellenes worldwide under one, non-profit, non-governmental organization with its permanent headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece.

SAE, which was created by 1995 presidential decree of the Hellenic Republic, serves as the advisory body to the Hellenic Republic on all maters of interest to Hellenes in the Diaspora and as the formal entity through which a continuing dialogue takes place between the Diaspora and the Hellenic Republic. The Council has now incorporated in Thessaloniki as the Foundation of Hellenes Abroad. The regional SAEs are also incorporated as non-profit organizations under local jurisdictions.

SAE, through its own programs and the activities of its member organizations, aims to support and strengthen:

· The ties between the 7 million Hellenes abroad, 10.6 million Hellenes in Greece, and among Hellenes in their countries of citizenship
· Hellenic identity and heritage in the Diaspora
· The role of Hellenism in world affairs
· The greater effectiveness of Hellenic organizations worldwide

Under World SAE are four regional SAEs, each covering one or more continents. World SAE is governed by an elected Board, which consists of a World President, an Alternate President, four Vice Presidents - each a coordinator for a regional SAE established in the areas of North and South America, Asia-Africa, Europe, and Oceania, as well as a Vice President for Cypriots Abroad and Cypriot Issues, and four Secretaries. The Board is elected by delegates from Hellenic Organizations throughout the Diaspora at the World Conventions.

Under the leadership of its founding president Andrew A. Athens, SAE quickly moved onto the world scene and took a leading role in international affairs since its inception eight years ago.