Nikolas Kyriakides: The Cyprus Forum is changing the philosophy of decision-making in Cypr
Source: in-cyprus.com
Three days of discussions. More than 175 distinguished speakers from the political scene, academic community and business world of Cyprus and abroad. A wealth of topics that enhance dialogue around critical political, social and economic issues in our country.
The Cyprus Forum will be held for the sixth time from 1st to 3rd October at the old Nicosia Town Hall and the Ledra Palace Hotel, and aspires once again to contribute to changing the philosophy of decision-making in Cyprus. The contribution of the Cyprus Forum to Cypriot society and the political scene is now well documented.
In his interview with Phileleftheros, Nikolas Kyriakides, Executive Chairman of the Cyprus Forum, highlighted that the conference has managed to function as a catalyst for cultural change in policy-making, strengthening free academic dialogue around critical issues such as lobbying regulation, strengthening the Independent Authority Against Corruption, and maintaining open dialogue with Turkish Cypriots.
The success of the Cyprus Forum to date motivates its organisers to work even harder so that this year’s event will be even more successful than previous ones.
“Every discussion at the Cyprus Forum has a research background, identifies a policy issue and brings together key stakeholders such as politicians and experts,” said Nikolas Kyriakides.
This year’s discussions are designed to highlight problems and, most importantly, serve as a springboard for solutions, emphasised the Executive Chairman of the Cyprus Forum.
With themes focusing on strengthening democratic institutions, security and cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, and the future of Cyprus-US relations, the Forum seeks to transform ideas into evidence-based policy proposals, shaping a better future for our country.
The Cyprus Forum is being organised this year for the sixth consecutive time. When will it take place, and how many speakers are expected to participate?
It is with particular pleasure that we announce the Cyprus Forum 2025. The discussions will be held from 1st to 3rd October 2025 at the old Nicosia Town Hall and the Ledra Palace Hotel. Those interested can find the necessary information on the conference website, https://2025.cyprusforum.cy.
It’s very important to mention that approximately 175 speakers will participate. Among them are the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, European Commissioners and officials, Ministers, MPs, representatives from think tanks in Cyprus and abroad, businesspeople, media representatives and academics.
What do you believe is its contribution to Cypriot society and the political scene?
We believe that the Cyprus Forum has contributed to changing the culture of policy-making primarily by enhancing dialogue around critical political, social and economic issues in our country. It promotes free academic dialogue and discussion on policies, connecting Cyprus with international policy debate.
It has contributed to advancing several important issues, such as lobbying regulation, strengthening the Independent Authority Against Corruption, discussion about the lack of oversight of the Attorney General’s decisions, discussion about Green Line regulations, and generally maintaining open dialogue with Turkish Cypriots. It also strengthens the gradual change of mindset in policy-making based on scientific evidence.
Through these discussions, we believe we enhance responsibility in Cyprus’s political dialogue, contributing to the country’s healthy political development.
Can the discussions that will take place and the issues that will be addressed highlight problems within Cypriot society and, most importantly, serve as a springboard for solutions?
The answer to the question is a resounding yes. The Cyprus Forum is a democratic platform where participants freely express their views, experiences and concerns.
Every discussion at the Cyprus Forum has a research background, identifies a policy issue and brings together key stakeholders such as politicians and experts.
Through these discussions, problems are identified and solutions are proposed, which are then promoted to decision-making centres.
Working with various think tanks, positive pressure is applied for their implementation, strengthening the ability to bring about substantial changes in society and the political scene. The Cyprus Forum is a tool for shaping a better future.
What are the main issues that this year’s discussions will focus on?
This year’s discussions will focus on a series of critical and topical issues affecting Cyprus and the broader South-Eastern Europe region. One of the key themes is strengthening democratic institutions, with speakers from the Cypriot government such as Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, representatives from the European Union, MPs and other experts and technocrats.
Another important topic is security and cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, with speakers including Nicholas Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, and representation from think tanks in Cyprus and abroad. This discussion will emphasise the opportunities offered for regional cooperation and strategic partnerships with the EU.
Another significant issue is the future of Cyprus-US relations, with the participation of Julie Davis, US Ambassador to Cyprus, who will analyse Cyprus’s strategic relations with the US and the challenges concerning foreign policy and cooperation in security and economic sectors.
Additionally, discussions will be held on the future of work and social welfare in Cyprus, with speakers such as Yiannis Panayiotou, Minister of Labour, and Mario Nava, Director-General of the Employment Directorate-General of the European Commission. The focus will be on challenges and opportunities for improving working conditions and ensuring social protection.
Energy discussions will be equally important, with the presence of Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou and several other significant speakers.
Emphasis will also be placed on Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council.
What are your ambitions for the future? How do you want to see the Cyprus Forum develop, and what do you want it to achieve?
We aspire for the Cyprus Forum to continue evolving into a key platform that positively influences political discussion and enhances participation in public affairs.
We want to bridge the gap between citizens and decision-making centres, transforming ideas into evidence-based policy proposals. The goal is for the Forum not only to discuss topical issues but also to produce specific recommendations that influence governance and policy-making in Cyprus.
In the future, furthering its influence beyond Cyprus, in Athens, Brussels, London and elsewhere will allow it to examine regional and global issues, further enhancing Cyprus’s profile in international forums.
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