Cyprus Diaspora Forum highlights innovation, investment and return of young talent

The third Cyprus Diaspora Forum, held successful Limassol from 6–9 May, brought together concern leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and policymakers from astir the world to research the aboriginal of Cyprus arsenic a planetary hub for innovation, concern and entrepreneurship.

Hosted astatine the AMARA Hotel, the multi-day forum focused heavy connected strengthening connections with the planetary Cypriot diaspora while encouraging talented young professionals to instrumentality and lend to Cyprus’ aboriginal maturation and prosperity.

The extended programme featured discussions connected probe and innovation, fintech, artificial intelligence, integer diplomacy, sustainability, education, healthcare, tourism and women successful leadership. Sessions examining workforce transformation successful the epoch of AI besides sparked discussions astir burnout, intelligence wellness and workplace wellbeing.

A large theme passim the forum was Cyprus’ positioning arsenic a competitory and forward-looking centre for planetary trade, acquisition and entrepreneurship.

The lawsuit was led by entrepreneur Paul Lambis alongside a team of organisers, volunteers and supporters, including Australian typical and Vice President Filli Kaoulas.

Among the keynote speakers and featured guests were entrepreneurs Theo Paphitis and James Demetriades, arsenic well arsenic erstwhile CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, whose fireside discussions explored leadership, resilience and purpose-driven business.

Australian concern and assemblage figures besides played a salient relation successful the forum. Food For Thought Network laminitis Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM participated successful a sheet treatment alongside Reventon laminitis and CEO Chris Christofi, Professor Neophytos Loizides and Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Stavros Stavrou. The treatment focused connected diaspora cohesion, women-led initiatives and the relation of planetary networks successful strengthening taste individuality and economical collaboration.

A recurring connection passim the forum was the value of stronger collaboration betwixt concern and not-for-profit sectors, with speakers emphasising the request to harvester economical success with assemblage publication and mentorship.

Young entrepreneurs were besides strongly represented, with organisers highlighting the optimism, resilience and innovation demonstrated by emerging Cypriot concern leaders from astir the world.

The forum concluded with the CYDIA Awards 2026 astatine Parklane Resort, recognising outstanding members of the planetary Cypriot diaspora crossed a scope of industries and achievements. Australians honoured during the evening included Chris Christofi, who received the Philanthropy Award, Effie Athanasiou for Advertising, and Maria Krambia Kapardis, recipient of the Impact Award.

Organisers said the forum aimed to make meaningful dialog betwixt generations, industries and diaspora communities worldwide while reinforcing the value of identity, belonging and corporate work successful shaping Cyprus’ future.

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