Maria-Ekaterini Papachristopoulou-Tzitzikosta, widow of the former Minister of Macedonia- Thrace, Georgios Tzitzikostas, has been serving as President of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO since 2004 and as President of the UNESCO Center for Women and Peace in the Balkans since 1994.

The UNESCO Center was inaugurated by the former Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Federico Mayor, following its approval for establishment and operation at the 27th Session of the UNESCO General Conference. In 2004, she was honored by the Ad Hoc Committee established by the Director-General of UNESCO with the distinction of "UNESCO Center Internationally Recognized" for her multifaceted contributions and actions in the Balkans, Mediterranean, and Black Sea regions.

Ms. Tzitzikosta is also the Founder and President of the International Association of Women of the Balkans (IAWS) and the Association of Rural Women of Macedonia and Thrace. She serves as Vice-President of the Lilian Voudouri Foundation and the Fulbright Foundation, and is a member of the Boards of the European Women's Lobby and the ELIAMEP (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy).

Throughout her extensive career, Ms. Tzitzikosta has organized and participated in numerous International Conferences and Meetings, been invited as a keynote speaker at international forums, and collaborated with international organizations including UNESCO, the United Nations, ECOSOC, FAO, WHO, the World Bank, the Council of Europe, and the European Investment Bank (EBI).

She has been honored by the Academy of Athens and received numerous honorary titles from states, institutions, and foundations, including the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Romania, the Prefecture of Thessaloniki (2007), the Friends of the Library of Alexandria Committee, the University of Macedonia, the Vafopouleio Foundation of Thessaloniki, SEV, XINI Schools, Neighbor, and the Leontios School.

Additionally, she was selected by UNESCO, among women worldwide, as one of the 60 women personalities who have significantly contributed to the promotion of peace. These 60 honored women were included in the volume titled "Building the Foundations for Peace - 60 Women" published in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the International Organization.

Her actions focus on issues of gender equality, peacebuilding with an emphasis on the Balkans and the Black Sea region, advocacy for human rights, ensuring respect for cultural diversity, promoting education, culture, international and regional cooperation to support the position of urban and rural women, and environmental protection.

During the dramatic changes that followed the collapse of totalitarian regimes and the transition of peoples to democracy in Southeast Europe, she stood by women and children, leading a group of Greek women and undertaking the commitment of their direct support by founding the Balkan Women's Cooperation Society.

Through the activities of the Balkan Women's Cooperation Association, her goal is to establish bonds of friendship and cooperation among women, aiming at ensuring peace and stability in the Balkans, strengthening human rights, eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, and supporting their progress in all areas of social, intellectual, economic, and professional life.