A strong tradition has already been created with the organization of our Pan-Hellenic conferences in Rhodes (2014), Chania (2015) and Alexandroupoli (2016) by deserving and dedicated colleagues. The tradition continued with even better, even stronger participation and support in Safe Athens 2017. Once again, scientists, technicians, crisis managers and decision-makers facademics, the private sector, local government and civil protection representatoves and volunteers gathered in Athens. Once again, knowledge, expertise, experiences and opinions have been exchanged on a subject that is truly multidisciplinary and needs the contribution of all of us. But not just that. Once again social gatherings, friendships and new collaborations took place.

The Research Director  of the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens Gerasimos Papadopoulos, the Head of Emergency Planning and Emergency Management of the Civil Protection General Secretary Foivos Theodorou, and the EPPO President and Department of Geology and Geoenvironment of the University of Athens Professor Efthimis Lekas kicked-off the Conference.

Safe Athens 2017 was honored with by the presence and participation of the Civil Protection General Secretary Ioannis Kapakis, Deputy Regional Governor of Northern Attica and President of the Metropolitan Committee for Civil Protection and Security of the Region of Attica Giorgos Karameros, Northern Aegean Regional Governor Christiana Kalogirou, MP and Geologist Hara Kafantari, Disaster Recovery Address Director Maria Kleanthis, Councilor οf the Attica Region, Gianna Tsupra, representatives of the Hellenic Fire Service, the National Emergency Center and representatives of Local Governments and the Academic Community.

The organizers of the Conference gave the "baton" to the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia Ilias Katanas and city of Kozani, where the 5th Civil Protection Conference 2018 will take place.