The official program for the 2026 Cyprus Diaspora Forum has been released, outlining a four-day schedule of high-level discussions, keynote sessions and networking events set to take place from 6–9 May at the Amara Hotel in Limassol.
Now in its third edition, the Forum brings together government leaders, business figures, academics and members of the global Cypriot diaspora, with this year’s agenda placing a strong emphasis on international collaboration, investment, innovation and repatriation pathways.
Opening with global focus
The Forum will commence on Wednesday, May 6, with a VIP cocktail event and opening ceremony, featuring artistic performances, official welcomes and a keynote overview of Cyprus’ strategic direction.
The evening program includes contributions from senior government representatives, industry leaders and cultural performers, setting the tone for what organisers describe as a “defining moment” in Cyprus’ global engagement strategy.
Day one: Cyprus as an emerging global hub
The main conference program begins on Thursday, May 7, with sessions across multiple streams examining Cyprus’ transformation into a global hub for business, finance and innovation.
A flagship panel titled “Cyprus: From Emerging Hub to Global Player” will open proceedings, bringing together key figures from the Research and Innovation Foundation, Invest Cyprus and international business leaders.
Throughout the day, discussions will focus on:
- Financial technology and banking innovation
- Wealth management and Cyprus as a global family office hub
- Artificial intelligence and future business strategy
- Regulatory frameworks and compliance in a digital economy
Parallel sessions will explore cultural and creative industries, with panels on film, arts and Mediterranean identity, alongside talent development and human resources.
Other streams will address sustainability, digital diplomacy, legal services and women in leadership, reflecting a broad cross-sector approach to Cyprus’ development.
The day will conclude with an entrepreneur showcase, highlighting Cypriot businesses and fostering international partnerships.
Day two: Diaspora, diplomacy and future growth
Friday, May 8, will shift focus towards Cyprus’ global positioning and diaspora engagement.
Key sessions include “Cyprus as a Bridge of Diplomacy”, examining the island’s geopolitical role, and “Strengthening Cyprus–India Partnerships”, highlighting emerging economic corridors.
Repatriation and talent return will feature prominently, with dedicated panels on the “brain gain” initiative and attracting skilled professionals back to Cyprus.
Additional discussions will cover:
- Real estate and investment opportunities
- Tourism and sustainable development
- Healthcare innovation and research
- Education and positioning Cyprus as a global academic destination
The Forum will also host a startup launchpad, offering entrepreneurs a platform to present ideas and connect with investors, alongside a masterclass on establishing Cyprus as a European tech hub.
Youth and future leadership
A notable inclusion in this year’s program is a strong youth and future workforce focus, culminating in a Junior Achievement Cyprus session titled “Shaping tomorrow together: youth meets industry.”
The session aims to connect young professionals with industry leaders, providing practical insights into career development and entrepreneurship.
CYDIA Awards highlight diaspora excellence
The Forum will conclude on Saturday, May 9, with the CYDIA Awards 2026, celebrating the achievements of Cypriots abroad and friends of Cyprus.
The awards, which form part of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, recognise outstanding contributions across business, academia, science, culture and philanthropy, including the highly anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award.
A platform for global Cypriot engagement
Across its four-day program, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum positions itself as a central meeting point for Cypriots worldwide, bridging business, policy and community networks.
With a diverse agenda spanning diplomacy, innovation, culture and economic growth, the 2026 Forum underscores Cyprus’ ambition to strengthen its international footprint while deepening connections with its global diaspora.
6 May 2026
- 19:30 – 23:00 VIP Cocktail Event
7 May 2026
- 08:00 – 09:00 Registration
- 09:00 – 13:30 Morning Sessions
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 17:00 Afternoon Sessions
- 17:00 – 20:00 Early Evening Sessions
- 20:00 – 21:00 Wine and Cheese Reception
Conference Room A
- 09:00 – 11:45 Research and Innovation Foundation: Cyprus: From Emerging Hub to Global Player
- 11:45 – 12:00 Coffee Break
- 12:00 – 12:20 Keynote Experience: Athlos Capital – Your Global Wealth Hub in Cyprus
- 12:20 – 13:00 Fintech and Banks: Impact and Innovations in Financial Technology
- 13:10 – 13:30 Keynote Experience: A New Page: Cyprus as a Global Family Office Hub
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:05 Strategic Wealth Management in Cyprus: Protection, Mobility and Crypto in an Era of Volatility
- 15:10 – 15:40 The Soltesz Institute: A unique learning experience in Payments and Banking
- 15:50 – 16:20 BLIS GLOBAL Solutions Showcase – Growing your business
- 16:30 – 16:55 Keynote Experience: Turn your Data into Profit
- 17:00 – 17:30 AI-Driven Markets: Reimagining Cyprus’ Business Strategy in 2026
- 17:30 – 17:50 RegTech and AI: Shaping the Future of Compliance and Regulation
- 17:50 – 18:10 Coffee Break
- 18:10 – 18:35 Fireside Chat: Demetrios Mallios
- 18:40 – 20:00 Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Entrepreneur’s Showcase Event
- 20:00 – 21:00 Wine and Cheese Reception
Conference Room B
- 09:00 – 09:45 Culture and Art: Shaping Artistic Identity
- 09:55 – 10:15 Lightning Talk: Dimitri Leonidas
- 10:15 – 11:00 Lights, Camera, Cyprus: Shaping a Mediterranean Film Hub
- 11:00 – 11:15 Film Pitch: The Summer Will Come
- 11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break
- 11:30 – 12:20 Recruitment and Human Resources
- 12:25 – 13:30 Keynote Experience: Stephanos Papadopoulos: Levels of Connection 4.0
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 16:30 Keynote Experience: Fokas Beyond: Mastering the Stock Market for Financial Freedom
- 16:45 – 17:00 Coffee Break
Conference Room C
- 09:00 – 09:45 Energy and Sustainability: Driving Cyprus’ Regional Impact
- 10:00 – 10:45 Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity: Cyprus’ Role in Building Secure Digital Corridors
- 11:00 – 12:00 The Evolution of Legal Services in Cyprus
- 12:00 – 12:15 Coffee Break
12:30 – 13:30 Women in Leadership and Innovation: Shaping the Future of Business, STEM, and Research - 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:00 Keynote Experience: Matthew Zorpas: The Power of Creative Communities: Building Global Bridges Through Culture, Connection, and Purpose
- 15:00 – 15:50 Content Creation: Reaching Global Audiences
- 16:00 – 17:00 Marketing and Branding: A Stronger Global Identity
- 17:00 – 17:15 Coffee Break
8 May 2026
- 08:00 – 09:00 Registration
- 09:00 – 13:30 Morning Sessions
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 17:30 Afternoon Sessions
- 17:30 – 19:00 Early Evening Sessions
Conference Room A
- 09:00 – 09:45 International Relations
- 09:50 – 10:50 Cyprus and the Gulf and MENA Regions
- 10:55 – 11:45 Cyprus as a Strategic EU Partner Bridging the Mediterranean and Central Asia
- 11:45 – 12:00 Coffee Break
- 12:00 – 12:40 Strengthening Cyprus–India Partnerships in Business and Creativity
- 12:45 – 13:30 Cyprus and Schengen
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:15 Fireside Chat: Theo Paphitis
- 15:20 – 16:00 Keynote Experience: James Demetriades: Building E-Commerce Success with Freedom and Purpose
- 16:00 – 16:15 Coffee Break
- 16:15 – 17:30 Fireside Chat: John Kiriakou
- 17:30 – 19:00 Cyprus Diaspora Forum Startup Launchpad
Conference Room B
- 09:00 – 09:45 The Strength of the Diaspora through Economic and Security Diplomacy
- 09:50 – 10:25 Keynote Experience: Minds in Cyprus
- 10:30 – 11:25 Repatriation to Cyprus: Bringing Talent Home
- 11:30 – 11:45 Coffee Break
- 11:45 – 12:30 Fireside Chat: Christophoros Papachristophorou
- 12:35 – 13:30 Real Estate and Investment: Cyprus as a Destination for Growth
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:25 The Future of Hospitality and Tourism in Cyprus: Smart, Sustainable, and Authentic
- 15:30 – 17:00 Game Changer: Building Cyprus’ Sports Future
- 17:00 – 17:15 Coffee Break
Conference Room C
- 09:00 – 10:15 Health Frontiers: Advancing Care, Research and Innovation in Cyprus
- 10:20 – 10:45 Lightning Talk: From Island Roots to Global Impact: The Thalassaemia Story
- 10:50 – 12:00 Digital Health & Wellbeing: Innovation, Prevention, and Care in Cyprus
- 12:00 – 12:15 Coffee Break
- 12:15 – 13:30 Cyprus as a Global Destination for Education and Research Excellence
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
- 14:30 – 15:40 Workshop: Future-Ready Skills for a Global Career – Navigating Opportunities after Graduation
- 15:50 – 17:50 Workshop: Junior Achievement Cyprus: Shaping Tomorrow Together: Youth meets Industry
- 17:50 – 18:05 Coffee Break
Meeting Room D
- 11:00 – 13:30 Masterclass – Cyprus 2026: Operationalising Your EU Tech Hub
- 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
9 May 2026
- 19:30 – 02:00 CYDIA Awards 2026
