On Thursday, 15 March 2018, within the framework of the visit she carried out to Azerbaijan on the occasion of her participation in the work of the VI Baku Forum, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Marianna V. Vardinoyannis received two international distinctions of major importance.

In recognition of Mrs. Vardinoyannis’ contribution to the creation of friendly relations between Greece and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev awarded her the “Order of friendship of Azerbaijan” which is the highest honour of the Republic of Azerbaijan and is awarded to heads of state and prominent personalities from around the world.

A special event with an international air, attended by women ambassadors and ambassadors’ spouses from 36 countries of the world and another 200 successful and active women from Greece and abroad, was held by the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation on  8 March 2018,  to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

The event aimed to highlight the achievements of great women who made history, as well as the importance of the universal and complex role of every woman in modern society. The honoured guest at the event was Sissy Pavlopoulou, spouse of the President of the Hellenic Republic, who was presented with an award by the host,