Winter sales begin and will last until the end of February.

Left Coalition Synaspismos President Alekos Alavanos visits Caracas in Venezuela to attend the World Social Forum. To Saturday.

Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage in cooperation with the French Institute hold a round-table discussion on “Sustainability and Education,” at 5.30 p.m. at the French Institute, 31 Sina. Tel. 210.322.5245.

Suzanne Mubarak Women’s Peace Movement is holding a round-table discussion on “Business Community against the Trafficking of Human Beings,” at Zappeion Hall. Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, Education Minister Marietta Giannakou and other government officials to attend. Tel. 210.809.4419 or visit www.childfamily.gr.

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias pays an official visit to Italy. To Saturday.

Foreign ministers of the Southeastern European Cooperation to meet in Athens.

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis holds a press conference to present a program for stray animals.

Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga visits Strasbourg.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw visits Cyprus.

Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis to attend Ecofin meeting in Brussels.

General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) meets to discuss the sector’s financial and institutional issues and to decide on future industrial action.

Environment Ministry hosts a conference on “Recycling in Modern Greece: Problems and Perspectives,” at the Athens Plaza Hotel. Tel. 210.641.5700 or visit www.ypehode.gov.gr.

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis visits Salzburg, Austria, to attend an international meeting on “The Identity of Europe.” To Saturday.

Transport Minister Michalis Liapis to chair meeting of transport ministers from Southeast Europe in Athens.

University of Patras is holding the 12th Pharmacochemical Symposium at the university’s conference center. Tel. 2610.993.999 or visit www.upatras.gr.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to chair a meeting of the party’s central committee at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens.