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the broader community. We cannot focus exclusively on ourselves and our personal interests.Naturally, we have obligations toward our families and those close to us. But we also have obligations toward our fellow citizens and our country. This principle applies especially to those who possess greater influence or resources, because with power comes responsibility. Beneficence (%u03b5%u1f50%u03c0%u03bf%u03b9%u03af%u03b1) is not optional. It is both a moral duty and an expression of nobility of character.Guided by these principles, I served as Mayor of Oinousses for sixteen consecutive years. I did so with passion, dedication and a clear sense of purpose, often at considerable cost to my business, my personal life and my extended family. %u0399n my absence from the company, my sons undertook the load to run it successfully.When I entered public service, I did so with a vision and a plan. Having already gained significant international business experience, I believed I possessed the practical knowledge necessary to contribute effectively. Public office should never become a field for fatal amateur experimentation at the expense of citizens. My guiding principle was simple: to give, not to get.I started all the infrastructure works on the island and many more. I promoted educational and cultural activities and strived to change the mentality of the community. I governed according to the principles of integrity and meritocracy. Looking back today, I take satisfaction not so much in the completion of the projects as in the gradual change of mentality among younger generations. That, above all, is my greatest reward.Despite Greek shipping%u2019s global leadership, there remains a perception that its success is disconnected from the Greek state and public life. How should the State better leverage the strengths of Greek shipping? Although the Greek state does not engage with shipping as strategically as it should, Greek shipping wins and brings to Greece what I would call an %u201cOlympic gold medal%u201d every single day, together with the admiration of the world.Behind this achievement stands the Greek shipowner, the %u201cquiet champion%u201d, operating not within the confines of a small domestic economy, but within the intensely competitive global marketplace and its giants. Greek shipping has conquered the oceans not through force, but through hard work, entrepreneurship, competence and perseverance.This naturally raises an important question: why the Greek state does not use the expertise, international networks, and strategic insight of its shipping community? If the state really wanted to utilise it, it would find the ways and means to do it.I also believe that, after concluding their professional careers, Greek shipowners should devote a few years to actively participating in public life and governance. Their practical experience, their effectiveness, their meritocratic mentality and international outlook would benefit the country enormously.Of course, the philanthropic contributions of Greek shipowners are both great and admirable. I take my hat off to every one of them. Bravo! Yet there is a difference between making donations and personally assuming responsibility in public affairs. Engaged citMaritime tradition36 NX