By Ilias Karagiannis.
A member of the Cypriot diaspora, Paul Lambis has for years been considering how to bring together communities around the world. His vision will finally take shape in March, in a city at the crossroads of cosmopolitanism and Cypriot tradition.
Limassol, Europe’s southernmost city in Cyprus, will host the 1st Cyprus Diaspora Forum from 6 to 9 March 2024.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum will be a unique, four-day event at the Parklane Resort and Spa Hotel. It will bring together Cypriot diaspora communities, influential figures from the public and private sectors in Cyprus, media, academia and civil society.
The event aims to recognise and promote the importance of the Cypriot diaspora, while fostering stronger relationships through entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy and cultural engagement.
The distinguished guests of the event include the well-known businessman Theodore “Theo” Paphitis, who stole the show in the British reality show “The Dragon’s Den,” the internationally renowned Cypriot psychologist and author Dr Linda Papadopoulos, the Cypriot tycoon Yannis Christodoulou and of course, many Cypriots from Australia. Among them are South Australian Minister for the Arts, Andrea Michaels, Peter Abraham, Elly Symons and others.
The Forum will be open to local companies, start-ups, potential entrepreneurs, research institutions, universities and other organisations from any sector, as it covers almost all sectors of economic activity.
On the occasion of this unique event for the Diaspora, The Greek Herald spoke with Paul Lambis, the founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Can you share the inspiration and driving force behind creating the Cyprus Diaspora Forum?
Cyprus, as a country, has evolved into a dynamic business centre, offering numerous investment and employment opportunities to both locals and foreigners. While the Cyprus government continues to nurture the island’s potential, it is essential to use the Cypriot diaspora, their networks of high-net-worth individuals, wealth and investment managers, financial advisors, and so on, to communicate the benefits Cyprus offers as an investment destination – not just a sun and sea resort.
As a result, I decided to establish an annual event to recognise Cyprus’ pioneering individuals abroad, as well as their influence among their own networks, and invite them to an event that will not only showcase them as the island’s international pioneers, but also help strengthen the important work the public and private sectors are doing to further strengthen Cyprus’ importance as a regional business hub.
Given the diverse diaspora communities worldwide, how does the Cyprus Diaspora Forum specifically aim to engage and connect with Cypriot Australians?
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum will serve to reinforce Cyprus’ reputation as a business centre, while showcasing the Cypriots of the Diaspora – who are our brand ambassadors abroad – recognising them as successful individuals who continue to excel in various industries. The Cypriot Australians, like their counterparts in the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, and other countries around the globe have contributed to our country’s economic and cultural life for many decades, enriching the societies in which they live and work.
And, as a former member of Cyprus’ vast diaspora family, who was born in South Africa in the 1970s and relocated to Cyprus in the early 2000s, I have always recognised the vital role that Cypriots of the diaspora play in branding our island to the rest of the world.
Could you provide information on whether Cypriot Australians have been specifically invited to participate in the Cyprus Diaspora Forum?
Yes, many members of the Cypriot Australian community have been invited and will attend the event. In fact, one of our team members, Filli Kaoullas, a Surgical Technician and Philanthropist, has been actively involved in the event since its inception and has played a significant part in bridging the gap between the Cypriot community in Australia and Cyprus. Ms. Fiona McKergow, Australia’s High Commissioner in Cyprus, will also attend a discussion on International Relations, which will include other High Commissioners and Ambassadors looking at ways to strengthening bilateral relations between Cyprus and their respective countries by engaging more Cypriots in the Diaspora.
Other prominent Australians include Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Peter Abraam, Vice President Australian Parthenon Committee Elly Symons, State Member of Parliament Hon. Andrea Michaels, Businessman George Moulos, Fine Artist Marina Solonos, Social and Political Analyst Costas Constanti, Author Helena Kidd, and many others.
Networking is a crucial element of the event. How can Cypriot Australians actively participate in discussions, establish connections, and contribute to the strengthening of bilateral ties between Australia and Cyprus, especially in areas like business, technology, and culture?
The communal ties that Cyprus’ diaspora maintain with their ancestral homeland play a significant role in forging local-global relationships and building societies. We will look at how Cyprus may assist diaspora entrepreneurs and local organisations that serve as entrepreneurship hubs by providing them with the tools and information they need to succeed. Attendees will be motivated and empowered to think boldly, move confidently, and harness sage business advice and insight from global entrepreneurs, educators, and academics.
Another aspect of the forum is highlighting the importance of Cyprus as an established and growing tech hub in the European Union and a promising location for setting up headquarters, bringing together many flagship international tech companies, reinforcing the island’s ability to offer every resource needed for establishing one’s headquarters, launching a regional office such as back offices or development centres, expanding one’s business, or establishing an innovative startup.
Analysts and industry professionals will address upcoming market trends, technological advancements, the ambitious objective of achieving carbon neutrality, and Cyprus’ future energy landscape, among other topics.
What are the primary goals and outcomes you hope to achieve with the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, especially concerning its impact on Cypriot communities globally?
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is ultimately a platform for all, connecting Cypriots in the diaspora, the local community, and friends of Cyprus through a significant event with the primary purpose of improving Cyprus’ status as a leading business destination.
Encouraging investment in Cyprus will also significantly improve the lives of our citizens, create job opportunities, and boost overall human development, resulting in a slowing down of Cyprus’ brain drain of highly skilled individuals who leave the island due to a lack of employment opportunities.
