From 6 to 9 May 2026, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum returns to Limassol, Cyprus – not simply as another event on the international calendar, but as a defining moment in Cyprus’ evolving global story.
Now in its third edition, the Forum builds on the powerful legacy of its predecessors, continuing to position Cyprus as a dynamic centre for investment, innovation, and international collaboration.
What began as an ambitious initiative has rapidly matured into one of the most strategic and comprehensive gatherings connected to the island – a place where influence converges and futures are shaped – and this year, Australia is taking centre stage in shaping its global impact.
According to Filli Kaoullas, Vice President of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Australian participation has expanded significantly in both scale and substance.
“The participation level from Australians has grown from strength to strength, and we have seen positive results come out of it, not only from the repatriation point of view, but meaningful strategic alliances such as the Cyprus–Australia chambers forging new pathways to boost business, innovation and diaspora ties,” she said.
“This growing engagement reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Australia – particularly in trade, investment, and innovation.”
A major milestone came in August 2025, when the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to deepen commercial relations and create new pathways for cross-border collaboration in emerging sectors.
The first official initiative under the MoU followed swiftly: an innovation and technology event held in Melbourne on September 4. Hosted in collaboration with Madgwicks Lawyers, the event featured keynote speaker Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, who presented the country’s strategic vision for research, innovation, and technological development.
This momentum is clearly reflected in the impressive delegation of Australian participants attending the Forum this year. Among them are:
- Peter Abraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
- George Georgiou, Co-founder and CEO of the CCCI in Australia
- James Demetriou AM, Executive Chair, Innovator, Director
- Chris Christofi, Founder and CEO of Reventon
- Marina Papas, Head of Corporate and Commercial Team at Madgwicks Lawyers
- Dr Steven Petratos, Senior Research Fellow and Laboratory Head, Regenerative Neuroscience & Development Group
- George Fokas, Global Stock Market Educator and Investing Strategist
- Effie Athanassiou and Costas Athanassiou of Cyprusays®
- Prof. Dr. Maria Krambia-Kapardis, Professor of Forensic Accounting at the Cyprus University of Technology
- Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, Founder, author, educator, and HR professional
- Costa Constanti, Director of CONSTANTi.org, Assistant Director, Diplomatic Academy Cyprus
- Elly Symons, Vice President, Australian Parthenon Committee, Cultural Heritage Activist
Also attending is the recently appointed Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Emily Pugin, further highlighting the growing diplomatic and institutional engagement between the two countries.
“As participation continues to expand and collaboration deepens across sectors, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum stands as a powerful catalyst for international partnership – with Australia emerging as one of its most dynamic and influential contributors,” Kaoullas stated.
“This year’s gathering not only reflects the strength of diaspora engagement but also demonstrates how strategic global connections can translate into real-world outcomes in business, research, innovation, and community development.”
Where opportunity becomes reality
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum offers a rare 360-degree view of the country’s economic, cultural, and technological landscape. It is where leading professionals, global investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and institutions meet with a shared purpose: to transform connection into action.
The Forum is attracting serious international attention – and not merely symbolic interest. Investors are arriving with intent. Many are exploring relocation to Cyprus, identifying opportunities within local businesses and franchises, forming cross-border partnerships, and integrating advanced technologies into financial and operational systems.
Participation is not just about presence – it is about positioning. For organisations and individuals alike, the Forum represents direct access to high-value networks, strategic partnerships, and tangible business growth.
A programme that reflects global influence
“The 2026 programme promises to be one of the most ambitious yet. Across four immersive days, participants will engage with an extraordinary range of global voices – from internationally recognised entrepreneurs and industry pioneers to leading thinkers in artificial intelligence, finance, medicine, energy, education, and digital innovation,” Kaoullas explained.
“High-level keynotes, fireside discussions, and specialised masterclasses will explore the forces reshaping economies and societies – including AI, fintech, medtech, cybersecurity, e-commerce, culture, and sustainable development. A dedicated masterclass will examine Cyprus’ growing role as an EU gateway for technological excellence, offering practical insight into the island’s expanding innovation ecosystem.”
Repatriation and talent return will also feature prominently through collaboration with the government’s Minds in Cyprus programme – a strategic effort to encourage highly skilled Cypriots abroad to return and contribute to the country’s future.
Recognition, Celebration, and Global Visibility
The experience begins with an opening ceremony and VIP cocktail reception at the iconic AMARA Hotel, setting the stage for days of high-level engagement.
It concludes with one of the most anticipated highlights of the international diaspora calendar – the prestigious CYDIA Awards Gala Dinner. This landmark event honours exceptional individuals of Cypriot heritage whose work has made a profound global impact across business, science, culture, and society.
Nominations remain open until 31 March 2026, with the celebration culminating in an elegant evening of recognition, entertainment, and world-class performances.
More than an event – A defining global platform
Founded by Paul Lambis, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum has grown into far more than a networking platform. It is a catalyst for long-term investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. It aligns diaspora knowledge, influence, and capital with Cyprus’ strategic sectors – from energy and tourism to fintech, research, health sciences, and green technologies.
“It is where entrepreneurs find investors, where ideas become ventures, and where global ambition meets national opportunity,” Kaoullas concluded.
For those seeking to engage with Cyprus’ future – not from the sidelines, but at the centre – the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 is an unmissable moment.
Tickets are available now via the Cyprus Diaspora Forum website: www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com
