Search
Home Blog Page 148

Second Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium held in Athens

Ilias Karagiannis
-
0
Second Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium held in Athens

The 2nd Conference of Young People of the Greek Diaspora – Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium, concluded its proceedings in Athens, at the “Hellenic Cosmos” Cultural Centre, with the participation of young members of the Greek Diaspora from 31 countries and 5 continents.

The conference was organised by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and took place from 25 to 28 November 2025.

The proceedings were coordinated by the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, addressed the opening of the conference’s proceedings, noting that the Symposium is now an established institution, and referred to the National Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, a three-year plan which, as he said: “is precisely intended to create that cradle of Hellenism in order for us to be able to bring Greeks abroad closer, but also for us to come closer to the Greeks abroad.”

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Loverdos, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative which, as he said, “highlights the dynamism of the new generation of Hellenism of the Diaspora,” while he emphasised that “strengthening the bonds with the new generation of the Omogenia is a priority.”

The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni, in her statements stressed that “the aim is to listen to the voices of young people and to take action in accordance with their concerns.”

Participating in a discussion, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Sofia Zacharaki, referred to the policy of strengthening Greek-language education abroad, while the Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis, coordinated the thematic session on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the capabilities of the Greek economy.

Subsequently, the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermetzopoulos, focused on empowering and connecting the Greek youth of the diaspora through digital innovation. For his part, the Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, held a discussion with young panellists on the image of contemporary Greece in international media.

From the ecclesiastical side, His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantio conveyed the greeting and blessing of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, congratulated the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy for the initiative, and welcomed the young members of the Omogenia “to their homeland.”

Greek Australian colour at the Symposium

The Greek community of Australia had a notable presence this year, with young expatriates actively participating in key thematic units of the Symposium.

With well-documented contributions, the representatives of the community highlighted issues relating to identity, technology, innovation, and the connection of the new generation with Greece.
Their presence confirmed that the Greek youth of the Diaspora not only maintain strong ties with the homeland but also contribute actively to shaping a modern, outward-looking narrative for Hellenism.

Greek Australians had a large and dynamic representation on eight panels. In the “Sports Without Borders” unit, Andreas Andrews participated, while in the thematic “Language and Artificial Intelligence,” Maria Kakali contributed.

In the panel on democratic governance, Demi Marie Bourdopoulos took part, while in the discussion on Brain Regain, Aliki Souliotis spoke.

Tass Mitas contributed proposals on the green economy, while in the thematic on the energy transition, Eugenia Hatch participated.

On the role of volunteering, Viktoria Paneras contributed, while in the discussion on digital governance, Australian youth were represented by Paris Lazaros Karakikis.

Awards and participation of prominent personalities

Filippos Fortomas, President of the Parliament’s Committee for Greeks Abroad, underlined the importance of the Greek language and cultural heritage, while Professor of International Relations at Panteion University, Kostas Ifantis, referred to the contribution of Greek higher education. A discussion on the internationalisation of education was held between the President of Study in Greece and Professor at Harokopio University, Christos Michalakelis, and the Director of the Columbia Global Centre, Stefanos Gandolfo.

In addition, Sofia Kounenaki–Ephraimoglou, Vice-President of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, referred to the initiatives implemented in cooperation with the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy.

The Symposium also hosted, once again this year, as coordinators, personalities of recognised standing.

Among those present were the former General Director of the Authentic Athens Marathon, Sotiris Kyranakos, ERT journalist Eleni Karagianni, the Director of Student Affairs at the American College, Haris Daskalothanasis, Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and the EU Agency for Asylum, Ioanna Theodotopoulou, the President of Brain ReGain, Konstantinos Kesentes, lawyers Porfylienia Kanellopoulou, Orfeas Georgiou and Konstantinos Anagnostopoulos, co-founder of the AXIOS Project, Giorgos Gemelas, CEO of Endeavor Greece, Panagiotis Karampinis, CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., Theodoros Vokos, Greece’s National ASPnet Coordinator Vera Dilari, Ambassador Stylianos Chourmouziadis, head of The Hellenic Initiative Michalis Printzos, and theatre director Lefteris Giovanidis.

The opening of the conference was honoured by the presence of the Ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, the UAE, Canada, Moldova and South Africa, as well as representatives of the Embassies of Australia, Austria, Luxembourg and Turkey.

From the Patriarchate of Alexandria, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique highlighted, among other things, the spirit of Olympism as a global value of Hellenism, and referred specifically to the creation of a Museum of Olympic History in Lusaka.

At the conclusion of the Symposium’s proceedings, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myroyianni, conferred the title of “Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassadors 2025” on this year’s participants and awarded last year’s participants for the initiatives they carried out during the previous year relating to the promotion and showcasing of the Greek Diaspora around the world.

The Conference was followed with interest both by participants attending in person and by expatriates around the world via live broadcast.

  1. Sports Without Borders: The Role of Sports in Promoting Greek Identity Across the Globe Andreas Andrews, Australia
  2. 3 rd Panel 15:15 Language and Artificial Intelligence Artyom Hovhannisyan, Armenia Maria Kakali, Australia 
  3. 4 th Panel 16:20 Democratic Governance and Human Rights: The Voice of the New Generation Demi Marie Bourdopoulos, Australia
  4. 5 th Panel 17:05 Youth and Brain Regain — Regaining the Future by Connecting Talent with Opportunity Josefina Salangis, Argentina Aliki Souliotis, Australia
  5. 6 th Panel 10:15 Innovative solutions towards a green economy and a sustainable environment Tas Mitaros, Australia
  6. 8 th Panel 11:40 Youth in energy transition: Opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and participation Eugenia Hatch, Australia
  7. 13th Panel 11.20 The role of volunteering in personal growth, social cohesion, and strengthening young diaspora ties with Greece Victoria Paneras, Australia
  8. 15th Panel 14:00 Next-Generation Governance: Empowering and Connecting the Greek Youth Diaspora through Digital Innovation Paris Lazarus Karakikes, Australia

Pope Leo XIV in Turkey: Dialogue and the renewed push for a unified Easter date

The Greek Herald
-
0
Pope Leo XIV in Turkey: Dialogue and the renewed push for a unified Easter date

Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Istanbul marked a historic moment in Catholic–Orthodox relations, bringing three days of prayer, symbolism and renewed commitments to unity.

From shared reflections in Nicaea to the signing of a Joint Declaration at the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the solemn Divine Liturgy for St Andrew, the visit underscored a common desire to heal centuries-old divisions and work toward closer ties, including controversial efforts to achieve a unified Easter date.

Friday: Joint appearance in Nicaea and call for unity

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV made a joint appearance on Friday near the archaeological excavations of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos in Nicaea (Iznik), where the First Ecumenical Council shaped the Creed 1,700 years ago.

Their visit culminated in a shared reading of the Creed.

Patriarch Bartholomew called Nicaea “the cradle of Christian faith,” urging attentiveness to “all the voices of the faithful for unity” and noting that despite centuries of “turmoil, difficulties and divisions,” the anniversary is marked with “common reverence and hope.”

Photo: Domenico Stinellis / AP.

He added that the Creed is “not a symbol of the minimum, but of the whole.”

Pope Leo stressed the need to overcome “the scandal of divisions” and condemned the use of religion to justify war or fanaticism.

He was scheduled to travel to Istanbul that evening for a doxology and meetings at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Saturday: Historic joint declaration and commitment to a unified Easter

On Saturday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally welcomed Pope Leo XIV to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Istanbul, the culmination of the Pope’s first apostolic journey to the city since his election.

The two leaders lit candles, venerated a holy icon and attended a doxology at the Patriarchal Church of St George, with Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, hierarchs of both churches and diplomatic representatives present amid heavy security in Istanbul.

In the Throne Hall, they signed a Joint Declaration pledging to strengthen unity between their churches.

Patriarch Bartholomew praised past pontiffs Benedict XVI and Francis as “exceptional” contributors to rapprochement, recalling that Francis died “the second day after Easter in Rome,” but adding, “the promise was fulfilled yesterday by the two of us.”

He emphasised the duty “to maintain the spirit and unity of peace,” calling the question of unity “more important than ever.”

Pope Leo expressed “deep gratitude” for the warm reception and said he was moved to follow in the footsteps of Paul VI, John Paul II and Francis.

Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I attend the Doxology in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

The Joint Declaration also reaffirmed a shared commitment to pursuing a common Easter date.

“It is our shared desire to continue seeking a possible solution so that we may celebrate the Feast of Feasts together every year,” the declaration stated.

Although no date was set, both leaders said efforts toward a unified Easter should continue, an issue long discussed since the Great Schism nearly 1,000 years ago.

The declaration also reiterated their aim for “the hoped-for restoration of full communion.”

Earlier on Saturday, Pope Leo visited Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque in silence and prayer alongside Turkey’s religious authority, the Diyanet. He did not visit the nearby Hagia Sophia.

He later celebrated a large Mass in the city and was scheduled to depart for Lebanon on Sunday.

Sunday: Divine Liturgy for St Andrew and renewed call for full communion

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV attended the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George for the feast of St Andrew, following an invitation from Patriarch Bartholomew.

More than 400 members of the Holy Synod and the episcopate participated.

In his address, Pope Leo linked the day’s liturgy to the two leaders’ pilgrimage to Nicaea, saying that the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed “unites us in real communion and allows us to recognise each other as brothers and sisters.”

Despite “many misunderstandings and even conflicts,” he called on Christians to continue striving toward unity and to “love one another accordingly.”

Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo during the Divine Liturgy. Photo: Vatican Media.

Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the Pope warmly, emphasising that as “successors of the two holy Apostles,” they are bound by “ties of spiritual brotherhood” and must work diligently for Christian unity and the restoration of full ecclesial communion.

He stressed that such encounters are far more than protocol, expressing “our deep commitment to the quest for Christian unity.”

Both leaders referenced the historic 1965 lifting of the 1054 mutual excommunications by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which began a new era of reconciliation.

They also underscored their shared responsibility to advocate for peace, address humanitarian crises, confront ecological challenges, and ensure emerging technologies serve all people.

Pope Leo concluded by offering “fervent wishes for good health and serenity” to Patriarch Bartholomew, entrusting all present to the intercession of St Andrew, St Peter, St George and the Fathers of the First Council of Nicaea.

Federal Court rules against Jason Karas in multimillion-dollar partnership dispute

The Greek Herald
-
0
Federal Court rules against Jason Karas in multimillion-dollar partnership dispute

The Federal Court has found Adelaide lawyer Jason Demetrios Karas engaged in a “dishonest and fraudulent design” to secretly establish a global legal venture, ordering him to pay more than $56 million to his former business partner, Scipio “Skip” Lipman, and their firm, LK Law.

Justice Patrick O’Sullivan ruled that Karas must pay $27.5 million in equitable compensation to LK Law and $13.75 million to Lipman, with the firm also entitled to $15.6 million in profits representing benefits received by UK firm Mishcon de Reya (MdR).

The judgment centres on Karas’ concealed negotiations with MdR, which the court found were designed to transition LK Law’s Hong Kong revenue stream to the UK firm while positioning himself as “the sole legal and beneficial owner” after separating from Lipman.

Justice O’Sullivan said the concealment denied Lipman and LK Law the ability to “protect or otherwise deal with the assets” involved, finding the conduct a clear breach of fiduciary duties.

Karas and Lipman co-founded LK Law in 2004 and expanded into Hong Kong, operating Karas Lawyers (LKHK) as an integrated branch by 2012. However, their relationship deteriorated by 2018.

Despite signing a Separation Agreement effective June 1, 2021, the court found Karas had secretly devised a strategy to break away and integrate his interests with MdR.

“This was no minor or inadvertent breach,” Justice O’Sullivan said, adding that Karas’ actions were misleading and deceptive.

“As to MdR, there is no doubt Mr Karas engaged in a dishonest and fraudulent design.”

The matter will return to court.

Source: The Advertiser.

Election results for GOCNSW Board 2025–2027 confirmed

The Greek Herald
-
0
Election results for GOCNSW Board 2025–2027 confirmed

The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) held its Board election on Sunday, November 30, with voting conducted from 8:30am to 6:00pm at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.

This year’s nomination process initially drew 37 candidates, before several nominees withdrew – including outgoing President Harry Danalis and Secretary Nia Karteris – resulting in 26 candidates contesting the final ballot.

According to figures provided by the Electoral Committee, 506 total votes were submitted, comprising 166 in-person votes and 340 proxies. Of these, 475 ballots were declared valid, alongside 30 invalid and one blank.

A total of 20 candidates have been elected to serve on the Board for the 2025–2027 term. Office bearer roles – including President, Secretary and Treasurer – will be determined at the first meeting of the newly elected Board later this week.

Elected Board Members (20)

  1. Con Spiropoulos — 475
  2. Con Mavrokordatos — 474
  3. Con Apoifis — 473
  4. Olympia Houliaras — 473
  5. Chris Skiladellis — 473
  6. George Diamantaris — 471
  7. Athanasia Costa — 468
  8. Evangelos Zoras — 466
  9. John Terzis — 464
  10. Stanley Koulouris — 462
  11. Sue Thliveris — 460
  12. Dimitris Arvanitis — 459
  13. Jim Psarros — 447
  14. Dimitris Bekris — 440
  15. Peter Tsintilas — 432
  16. Georgia Paschalidis — 369
  17. Peter Tsiloris — 357
  18. Peter Ronis — 334
  19. Ioannis Zoumpoulis — 332
  20. Nikitas Katris — 327

Runners-up (Not Elected)

  1. Manos Fountoulis — 212
  2. Pamela Proestos — 205
  3. Artemis Theodoris — 194
  4. Nick Papanikitas — 184
  5. Anna Sarelas — 155
  6. Andrew Smyrnis — 49

The Electoral Committee thanked all 26 candidates for their participation and acknowledged community members for supporting a smooth and transparent electoral process.

The newly elected Board will convene shortly to determine office bearer appointments for the 2025–2027 term.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival serves Greek heritage at World’s Longest Lunch

The Greek Herald
-
0
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival serves Greek heritage at World’s Longest Lunch

The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival will run from 20 to 29 March, offering a 10-day program of 200 events celebrating distinctive Victorian food, drink and experiences, according to theaustraliatoday.com

Unveiling the 2026 program, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the festival remained “quintessentially Victorian – a melting pot of culture and culinary delights – while supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state.” He added that Victorians “play a vital role at every stage of producing our world-class food and beverages – so whether you’re dining in Frankston or Kew, you’re enjoying the work of one of the most talented workforces in the world.”

A staple of Victoria’s events calendar for more than 30 years, the festival continues to attract visitors and bolster the state’s $43.7 billion visitor economy.

This year’s line-up highlights both local and international talent, with chefs from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malta and the UK teaming up with Melbourne favourites such as Maha, Brico, Omnia, Osteria Ilaria and Farmer’s Daughters. Regional venues including Trapeze Wines and Phillip Island Winery will also host exclusive dining events.

A major highlight will be the 2026 World’s Longest Lunch, celebrating Australia’s Greek culinary heritage. A 600-metre table will wind through Kings Domain, serving a menu created by author Ella Mittas with chefs from Kafeneion and Tzaki. The 1,600-seat lunch is expected to sell out.

The festival will also host the Southern Hemisphere debut of Cake Picnic on 21 March, where entry requires bringing a homemade cake.

Food + Drink Victoria CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha said the 2026 program was among the strongest yet, offering everything from “a Greek-themed World’s Longest Lunch” to “the global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC.” Three new free events – The Spicy Side of Collins Street, The Festival of Korean Fried Chicken and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party – join the line-up.

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the festival remains central to the state’s major events calendar, which in 2026 will also feature the Australian Open, Melbourne Fashion Festival, State of Origin, and the first NFL Regular Season Game in September.

Source: theaustraliatoday.com.au

AI artist Dimitrii becomes breakout star for rejected creator

The Greek Herald
-
0
AI artist Dimitrii becomes breakout star for rejected creator

A Melbourne creator who spent decades facing rejection in the entertainment industry has unexpectedly broken through – thanks to an AI persona, according to heraldsun.com.au. Author and filmmaker Jayson Sutcliffe developed an AI singer named Dimitrii after more than 20 years of having his scripts and concepts turned away by film and television executives.

Dimitrii’s first single, Gravity, released this month, has already drawn thousands of plays on Spotify and captured global attention. For Sutcliffe, the project was a final effort to make his voice heard. “It’s been a frustrating few decades,” he told the Herald Sun. Despite travelling to Los Angeles yearly for meetings and pitches, he said deals repeatedly fell apart: “Time and time again you get built up to something, and then all of a sudden it’s nothing.”

A former world champion roller skater and published author, Sutcliffe has directed two films centred on the sport. Dimitrii emerged after he wrote a song for a trailer he planned to pitch in LA. “They’re all my lyrics, but the voice is AI,” he explained, noting that crafting a consistent character takes far more than pushing a button.

He describes Dimitrii as Greek-Australian and inspired by people from his past — and imagined future encounters. The response has been overwhelming: he’s received an unexpected flood of messages from admirers of all ages.

While grateful for the attention, Sutcliffe says the success is bittersweet. “It makes me sad because I’ve tried and tried and tried to get somewhere in this industry,” he said. Still, he hopes Dimitrii’s rise may finally open doors.

Dimitrii’s debut comes amid a wave of AI-generated music gaining traction, including recent Billboard-charting virtual artists.

Source: Heraldsun.com.au

Theo James draws on Greek family history to urge Korean support for refugees

The Greek Herald
-
0
Theo James draws on Greek family history to urge Korean support for refugees

For actor and UNHCR goodwill ambassador Theo James, the global refugee crisis is rooted in a personal story, according to an article by Michael Lee, in koreajoongangdaily.joins.com.

His grandfather, then a young medical student in Athens during the Nazi occupation, fled by rowing across the Aegean and later found safety in Damascus. “It’s become a kind of legend, one that’s always been part of my family history,” James said during an interview at the UNHCR office in Seoul. “My grandfather and 12 other young men commandeered a little rowing boat… and they almost drowned many times.”

The parallels between his grandfather’s journey and that of modern refugees became clear to him when Syrians began fleeing their country in 2011. “My grandfather was in the same literal and metaphorical boat as refugees today,” he said.

James, known for “Divergent” and “The White Lotus,” began supporting UNHCR in 2016 and became a global ambassador last year. Through this work, he discovered his grandfather had also aided refugees after World War II. “He had been part of the teams that liberated some of the concentration camps… giving vaccines to refugees,” James said.

His mission, he explains, is “to amplify the voices of people who don’t get heard.” Field assignments have taken him to Mauritania, Jordan, and Greece, where he’s met people who have endured extreme hardships yet show remarkable resilience. He worries about growing anti-refugee sentiment, noting widespread misconceptions about why people flee.

James also highlights the increasing role of climate change in displacement, pointing to Mauritania as an example of how rising temperatures and desertification worsen refugee conditions.

As global donations to UNHCR decline, he sees advocacy and fundraising as essential. Filming in Korea this year, he praised the country’s development and strong humanitarian contributions, encouraging openness toward diversity.

Despite his demanding schedule, James tries to prioritize family life, calling the balance “a tricky balancing act.”

Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

Alex Mangos brings mango season to Christmas in Oran Park

The Greek Herald
-
0
Alex Mangos brings mango season to Christmas in Oran Park

An Oran Park resident has given his usual Christmas setup a tropical makeover this year, marking the arrival of mango season with a playful twist, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Alex Mangos, well known in his neighbourhood for his elaborate festive displays, describes himself as “a bit of a fanatic.” After years of decorating his home with lights, he decided this season called for something different. He introduced vibrant mango-inspired décor, adding dozens of fruity decorations to his usual setup before the traditional lighting period begins.

“I love trying new things, making new things and creating displays for the community … mangoes are my favourite fruit, and have been since I can remember. People often mix up my surname with the fruit, too,” Mr Mangos said.

His passion for decorating began in his teens. “I’ve decorated ever since I was a teen when mum let me decorate the house, and then obviously when I got this place I started small and worked my way up. You start with a string of lights here and there, and before you know it you’ve eventually created something beautiful.”

But behind the bright colours and festive spirit lies a personal motivation.

“My six-year-old son got diagnosed with leukemia when he was three years old, and it was a humungous shock to our system,” he said. The family spent long stretches at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, which he described as becoming “a second home.”

“I’m happy to say he’s been cancer-free after three years … I wanted to give back whatever way I could, and I decided I could do that through fundraising.”

This year’s Mango Christmas Lights will run nightly from November 12–19 on Bourne Ridge, with donations supporting Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Greece draws wealth: Over 1,200 millionaires expected to relocate in 2025

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece draws wealth: Over 1,200 millionaires expected to relocate in 2025

Greece is becoming an increasingly popular destination for high-net-worth individuals, with more than 1,200 millionaires expected to move to the country in 2025, bringing an estimated €7.7 billion in liquid assets, en.protothema.gr, has reported. According to the Global Citizens Report by Henley & Partners, Greece now ranks eighth globally for millionaire migration.

Recent arrivals-from Novak Djokovic to investors like Richard Xiao and Tom Greenwood-reflect a broader pattern. Each year, affluent individuals choose Greece for its safety, stability, lifestyle, and pro-investment climate. The report, created with New World Wealth, tracks the movement of over 150,000 millionaires annually and highlights the economic impact of their relocation, including investments in real estate, startups, and tourism.

Analysts note that many wealthy migrants bring their family offices and continue creating wealth from their new base. Globally, around 15% of migrating millionaires are business founders, a figure that rises sharply among those with much higher net worth.

Henley forecasts a record-breaking year, with at least 142,000 people possessing over $1 million expected to migrate worldwide. Projections for final totals may exceed 150,000. These estimates rely on data from the first five months of the year, combined with property records, company registries, family office locations, and other indicators.

Following years of economic hardship, Greece has steadily re-entered the map of preferred destinations thanks to tax reforms and a more investment-friendly environment. A decade-long 24% increase in millionaire inflows highlights this shift.

Henley’s Dominic Volek points to Greece and Portugal as consistently rising destinations, crediting lifestyle advantages, tax incentives, and successful migration programs. In Greece, the Athenian Riviera and islands remain top choices.

Greece now stands alongside major wealth hubs such as the UAE, the U.S., Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal, while countries like the U.K. and China face significant millionaire outflows.

Source: en.protothema.gr

A ‘second Cyprus’ abroad: Diaspora poised to surpass island’s population

The Greek Herald
-
0
A ‘second Cyprus’ abroad: Diaspora poised to surpass island’s population

The Cypriot diaspora may now outnumber the population living on the island, with recent data submitted to parliament showing between 650,000 and 760,000 Cypriots abroad, compared to 719,252 residents in Cyprus, according to cyprus-mail.com.

The largest communities overseas are in the United Kingdom, home to an estimated 350,000 to 450,000 Cypriots. The United States follows with 70,000 to 80,000, while Australia hosts around 80,000. Other sizeable groups live in Greece (70,000), Canada (35,000), and South Africa (35,000), with smaller populations spread across Europe and Africa.

These communities have long shaped Cyprus’ cultural, economic, and political links with the wider world. Disy MP Nikos Georgiou noted that many expatriates wish to stay connected, invest in Cyprus, or even return permanently. However, he criticised the bureaucratic obstacles they encounter, saying, “Many of them are faced with prolonged procedures, even for the most basic things.”

To strengthen ties, the foreign office has introduced initiatives to improve communication and services. These include regular online discussions with diaspora organisations, expanded consular support, new honorary consulates, and an e-platform offering information to Cypriots abroad.

Younger generations are also a priority, with partnerships involving academic and research institutions providing scholarships and temporary work opportunities to maintain connections.

Officials emphasise the strategic and cultural value of the diaspora, viewing Cypriots abroad as an extension of the nation and a source of economic and intellectual contribution. Efforts to simplify repatriation and integration aim to ensure administrative delays do not discourage their return.

As Georgiou said, “The Cypriots of the diaspora are a national asset and have proven their commitment for years.”

Source: cyprus-mail.com

1...147148149...1,958Page 148 of 1,958

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.