Honouring World Refugee Day with a culinary journey of solidarity and integration
Honouring World Refugee Day with a culinary journey of solidarity and integration
The two chefs, Monica (left) and Isidoros, present the stories behind the fusion dishes they created during the event organized on 19 June 2025 by the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of France, and UNHCR.
To mark World Refugee Day, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of France, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, held a special event on 19 June at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Athens. The evening brought together Greek authorities, diplomats, international organizations, civil society, refugees and the private sector, for an engaging exchange on the importance of integration, combining personal stories, practical examples and a unique culinary experience.
At the heart of the evening was the collaboration between Monica, a refugee chef and owner of a West African restaurant in Athens, and Isidoros, chef with Begnis Catering. Together, they created a menu that blended African and Greek flavours, celebrating coexistence through the universal language of food.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Ms Susanna Terstal, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Greece, Ms Sevi Voloudaki, Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr Alexandre Diebolt, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France to Greece, and Ms Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece. All speakers emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, the value of integration to the benefit of society as a whole, and of the need to build bridges, even through everyday acts of friendship and hospitality. Especially in today’s uncertain global context, they noted, solidarity with refugees must remain a shared international commitment, and World Refugee Day serves as a crucial reminder of this responsibility.
Monica shared her personal story of overcoming obstacles — from language barriers and complex bureaucracy to securing proper documentation. Despite these challenges, Monica built a thriving business in Athens (Mama Sammy’s Kitchen), thanks to her determination and support from grassroots organizations. Mr. Petros Mastakas, Durable Solutions Officer at UNHCR Greece, underlined the importance of practical support for employability and self-reliance, stressing that most refugees only need a small opportunity — even something as simple as a job interview — to begin building a new life. Dr. Georgios Panopoulos, CEO of Management Force Group, presented a compelling example of how the private sector can play an active role in refugee integration. In cooperation with UNHCR, his company launched a training programme offering health and safety certifications to refugees, improving access to jobs in sectors such as construction and logistics. He stressed that his company’s greatest motivation is rooted in “being human”.
Following the discussion, the two chefs presented dishes they created and the stories and inspirations behind them. Both expressed their joy of cooking together and creating something new that reflected their shared humanity. The evening concluded with a tasting of the fusion dishes and rich, informal exchanges among all guests.
Monica and Isidoros created dishes that blended African and Greek flavours.
About World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.