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First Cyprus Diaspora Forum brings unprecedented business and networking opportunities

The Greek Herald
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First Cyprus Diaspora Forum brings unprecedented business and networking opportunities

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum held in Limassol from 6-9 March 2024, brought together Cypriot diaspora communities, prominent figures from Cyprus’ public and private sectors, media, academia, and civic society with the goal of recognising and promoting the importance of Cyprus’ diaspora while strengthening relations through entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy, cultural and social engagement.

Cyprus Diaspora Forum
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum gala dinner. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum
Cyprus Diaspora Forum
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum gala dinner. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The four-day B2B event, founded by Paul Lambis, was held at the Parklane Resort and Spa, and attracted prominent business professionals and talented Cypriots of the diaspora, including HNWIs and foreign investors interested in the island’s growth sectors and its unique investment opportunities.

The forum started with an exclusive Breakfast Networking Event, attended by Limassol Mayor, Nicos Nicolaides, United States Ambassador to Cyprus, H.E. Julie D. Fisher, Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Fiona McKergow, Former Commissioner for Overseas Cypriots, Photis Photiou, Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Marios Tsiakkis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, Marios Tannousis, Chairman of CySEC, Dr. George Theocharides, Managing Director, Cyprus Seeds, Maria Markidou Georgiadou, Director General RIK, Thanasis Tsokos, Real Estate Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, John Christodoulou, Founder and CEO, Meaningful Synergies, Branka van der Linden, and many more reputable organisations outlining the importance of Cyprus’ diaspora in forging connections and joining forces to support the island’s growth sectors and further enhancing its reputation as a dynamic business hub. 

Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
The breakfast networking event. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The Breakfast Networking Event was hosted by BBC Television and Radio Journalist, Emilia Papadopoulos, and featured entertainment by the award-winning Cyprus Choral Association, under the direction of Nikolas Therapontos, and renowned Cypriot soprano Mariza Anastasiades.

The following four days of the forum included excellently moderated panel discussions covering a wide range of topics within Cyprus’ growth sectors, such as hospitality and tourism, health and wellness, media, culture, arts, film, television, theatre, music, literature, education, sports, social and philanthropy, international relations, finance, law, energy, shipping, real estate, business, and innovation. Cypriots of the diaspora, entrepreneurs, policymakers, stakeholders, ministers and deputy ministers, government organisations, as well as business leaders from Cyprus and across the world came together to share their own perspectives, resulting in dynamic, meaningful dialogue promoting excellence through leadership.   

Cyprus Diaspora Forum
The breakfast networking event. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum also included one-on-one fireside chats with pioneering individuals such as cultural activist, Tasoula Hadjitofi, renowned psychologist, Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, chief strategy and growth officer, Peter Abraam, President of the Recording Academy/GRAMMY Awards, Panos A. Panay, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, George Logothetis, and retail magnate and entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis.

The event concluded with an impressive gala dinner and awards ceremony attended by over 350 people, who were welcomed on arrival by the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra, followed by a rich entertainment programme referencing Cyprus’ traditions through music and dance by Christos Shakallis, as well as exclusive performances by Andrew Lambrou, last year’s Eurovision representative for Cyprus, renowned Greek Cypriot singer Marilia Charalambide, Konstantinos Michaeloudes, and Vasiliki Hajiadamou, who performed with Pavlos Michaelides and his orchestra.  A special guest performance included Cyprus’ 2024 Eurovision representative, Silia Kapsis, who performed the ballade version of her song ‘Liar’.

Cyprus Diaspora Forum
The panel discussions. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The highlight of the gala event were the first CYDIA Awards, which honoured Cypriots of the diaspora in sixteen categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded to Cypriot ‘Icon Hunter’ from the diaspora, Tasoula Hadjitofi, a globally recognised activist for human rights, religious freedom, international humanitarian law, and the protection of cultural heritage.

Tasoula Hadjitofi’s efforts were applauded by hundreds of attendees at the ceremony, including businesspeople from Cyprus and abroad, as well as ministers, diplomats, and others. The award ceremony was also followed by thousands of other viewers from around the world through digital channels.

In her acceptance speech, Tasoula Hadjitofi delivered powerful messages to the audience. Addressing the present representatives of the Cyprus Government and political parties, she specifically mentioned, “the moment you realise the power Cyprus will have when you embrace the Diaspora, for Economic Diplomacy, for Security Diplomacy, and the moment we change the ‘narrative’ about what happened in Cyprus, the narrative we have been promoting for 50 years now that ‘does not sell’, then that is the moment Cyprus will be free.”

Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Panel discussions continued. Photos:Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The presentation of Tasoula Hadjitofi’s work and her speech, spread waves of emotion, while the audience stood up and applauded incessantly. Throughout the evening, numerous people expressed their desire to actively contribute to her cause, including people from various other nationalities who live permanently in Cyprus, expressing their desire and intention to strengthen it.

Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
There were special performances that took place as part of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum. Photos: Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
Cyprus Diaspora Forum.

The complete list of winners for the CYDIA 2024:

  • Culture and Arts: Christina Dymioti, Director, Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus, United Kingdom
  • Education: Christina Shailas, Founder and CEO, Gear Education, USA, Cyprus
  • Film, TV, Drama and Music: Stelana Kliris, Film writer, Director, Producer, South Africa, Cyprus
  • Literature: Helena Kidd, Author, Australia
  • Media: Emilia Papadopoulos, Television and Radio Journalist, United Kingdom, Cyprus
  • Movement for Change: Peter Kypri, Comedian and Video Creator, United Kingdom, Cyprus
  • Social and Philanthropy: Catherine Constantinides, Humanitarian and Environmental Activist, South Africa
  • Sports: Vladimiros Tziortzis, NASCAR Professional Racing Driver, Cyprus
  • Health and Wellness: Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, Renowned Psychologist, United Kingdom
  • Hospitality and Tourism: Miranda Tringis, Founder, Cyherbia Botanical Park, The Netherlands, Cyprus
  • Real Estate: Jenny Ellinas, Founder and CEO, Cypriot Realty, South Africa, Cyprus
  • Startups and Innovation: Tanya Romanyukha, Head of Operations, TechIsland, Cyprus
  • Finance and Commerce: George Moulos, Managing Director, Ecommerce Brokers, Australia, Greece, Cyprus
  • Entrepreneurship: Peter Abraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Australia
  • Contribution to Society: Yianis Christodoulou Foundation, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Other Countries
  • Diaspora Ambassador Award: Andreas Dometakis, Tailor and Patternmaker for Film, TV, and Theatre, United Kingdom
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Tasoula Hadjitofi, Cultural Activist, The Netherlands, Cyprus

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2024 left the best impressions to all attendees and was extensively covered in local and global press. The founders of the forum are already making plans for its second year, promising an even bigger event in 2025.

The event is supported by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN Cyprus), Invest Cyprus, Cyprus Seeds, TechIsland, Cyprus Business Group, and various other credible organisations both in Cyprus and abroad.

To find out more about the various partnership opportunities, email: cyprusdiasporaforum@gmail.com

South Melbourne FC continue unbeaten streak in the Victorian NPL

The Greek Herald
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South Melbourne FC continue unbeaten streak in the Victorian NPL

By Bill Roumeliotis

A hearty South Melbourne FC levelled Altona Magic at Paisley Park on Saturday to record their fifth Victorian National Premier Leagues win of the season

South Melbourne’s 4-1 victory looks poor in the face of their total dominance for 90 minutes with plenty of missed opportunities.

The Blue and Whites of Esteban Quintas, who continue to be at the top of the Victorian NPL standings, were levellers.

They opened the scoring with Mikkola in the 48′, Bonana doubled the goals, while in the 66′ with a penalty Sawyer made it 3-1 and in the 80′ Archibald put the icing on the cake when he made the final 4-1.

Greek Community Home For The Aged at Earlwood among top in NSW for best food

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community Home For The Aged at Earlwood among top in NSW for best food

Following a survey of more than 37,000 aged care residents across Australia, a list of the top aged care homes for food has been revealed.

According to The Daily Telegraph, The Greek Community Home For The Aged at Earlwood in Sydney was rated in 21st place for best food for New South Wales. The aged care home is run by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).

The kitchen is operated by chef Panayiotis Giannakopoulos, who is known for serving dishes such as fish and horta vrasta and pork with lettuce and white egg lemon sauce. These are some of the resident’s favourite dishes.

The survey revealed that seven out of 10 residents at the aged care home said they “always” liked the food, while the rest liked it “most of the time.”

food
Residents at the Greek Community Home For The Aged love Greek food. Photo: Sam Ruttyn.

“We know if we can get the food right, then we are going to get everything else right,” Katerina Kouris, manager of The Greek Community Home For The Aged, told The Daily Telegraph.

“We don’t have weight loss here, unless someone is unwell. People actually come in and gain weight.”

Ms Kouris added that the facility aims to cater to residents’ tastes, and Greek food is highly favoured.

“It’s all very Greek and the aroma of the food in the dining room is always delicious,” Ms Kouris said.

The Greek Community Home for the Aged was among a quality list of other aged care homes with the best food in NSW, including William Beech Gardens – Bushmaster at Condobolin and the Yeoval Community Nursing Home at Yeoval.

Among the lowest ranked aged care homes for food were Catholic Healthcare The Sister Anne Court Aged Care at Darlinghurst and Columbia Aged Care Services – Willowood Centre at Chatswood.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Greek tourist’s display of Greek flag at Hagia Sophia sparks controversy in Turkey

The Greek Herald
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Greek tourist’s display of Greek flag at Hagia Sophia sparks controversy in Turkey

Turkish social media erupted in response to a Greek tourist’s bold action inside Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia. 

Apostolos Papatheodoros, a Greek visitor, caused a stir when he proudly displayed the Greek flag within the historic site and captioned his Instagram post with the words, “My beloved city, forever Greek.”

The image quickly spread across Turkish media platforms, triggering a wave of reactions. Many Turks denounced the act as provocative, questioning how such an action could be permitted within a symbolically significant location.

Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia church in Istanbul. Photo: The Byzantine Legacy, X.

Some even directed their ire towards Turkish authorities for allegedly allowing the incident to occur unchecked.

Among the responses, some took a more aggressive tone, resorting to veiled threats and references to historical events. Comments such as “I hope you know how to swim” and “the sea is cold, my love” drew implicit parallels to the tragic Smyrna disaster, a dark chapter in Greek-Turkish relations.

As reactions continue to pour in on social media, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Source: Protothema.gr.

Greek-Egyptian partnership fortified as leaders pledge strategic cooperation

The Greek Herald
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Greek-Egyptian partnership fortified as leaders pledge strategic cooperation

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi solidified their countries’ partnership during a meeting held on Sunday. Government sources revealed Mitsotakis’ satisfaction with the elevation of European Union relations with Egypt to a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.

Central to the discussions was the decision to bolster the strategic alliance between Greece and Egypt, marked by the establishment of a High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC). Scheduled to convene in Athens shortly after the signing of a Joint Declaration by the two leaders, this council signifies a commitment to deepen collaboration across various sectors.

Mitsotakis underscored Egypt’s crucial role in tackling illegal immigration, highlighting the importance of cooperation in managing this pressing issue. He further commended the robust bilateral relations and ongoing energy cooperation, with special mention of the Greece-Egypt GREGY Interconnector electricity project.

Moreover, Mitsotakis expressed gratitude to President al-Sisi for facilitating his private visit to the Siwa Oasis. This location holds significant cultural relevance for both Greece and Egypt, serving as the historical site of the Oracle of Amun Ra, famously visited by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Clean Monday: History behind the first day of Great Lent

Evelyn Karatzas
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Clean Monday: History behind the first day of Great Lent

Kathari Deftera, also known as ‘Clean Monday,’ is an annual feast that marks the beginning of Lent – the 40-day fasting period known as ‘Sarakosti’ in the Greek Orthodox Church. Every year it falls on the seventh week before Orthodox Easter Sunday.

This significant holiday combines both religious and cultural significance for Greeks around the world.

What is Clean Monday and why do we celebrate it annually?

In the Greek Orthodox calendar, Clean Monday commences on the Sunday night prior to the day where a liturgy takes place at the church and parishioners ask for forgiveness from each other. This is a way for people to cleanse their consciences and renew their love with one another and with God.

This evening also signifies the end of the Apokries or Carnival festivities which take place worldwide (especially in Greece) and urges people to steer away from any sinful behaviours and prepare for fasting for the upcoming weeks.

Traditional foods

Lagana. Photo: Vicki's Greek Recipes
Lagana. Photo: Vicki’s Greek Recipes

A key part of the Clean Monday celebration is eating a traditional feast of Greek foods. Typically, on this day, people will indulge in seafood or vegetarian dishes which reflect the upcoming fasting period.

One of the traditional foods consumed on this day is ‘lagana,’ which is a flatbread baked only on Clean Monday. It is paired with ‘taramosalata’ – a traditional Greek meze made from tarama, which is the salted and cured roe of the cod, carp, or grey mullet, mixed in with olive oil, lemon juice, and in some cases, bread or potatoes.

Taramosalata. Photo - real Greek Recipes
Taramosalata. Photo: Real Greek Recipes

Dolmades are another classic to add to the list of foods. They are vegetarian stuffed vine leaves filled with rice – in a non-fasting period, these are commonly made with minced meat too.

For those with a sweet tooth, ‘halva’ is a popular sweet many Greeks opt for on Clean Monday and throughout Great Lent as it is vegan and delicious. It is a no-bake semolina cake that consists of a texture between a moist cake and a pudding.

Traditional activities

Clean Monday is not only a day for abstaining from certain foods, but a time for families and friends to come together and take part in outdoor activities. In Greece in particular, families will go on picnics in nature and enjoy the spring weather, feast on food, listen to music and dance in the lead up to Easter. One popular tradition associated with this annual day is flying a kite. This symbolises the human spirit and its journey towards spiritual purification.

Kite. Photo- More Greece
Kite. Photo: More Greece

The significance of Clean Monday

Clean Monday serves as a reminder of the significance of rejuvenating one’s spirit and engaging in self-reflection. As well as having its religious aspects, this holiday is an opportunity for Greeks to reconnect with their cultural heritage, foster a sense of community and pass down traditions through multiple generations.

Together with fasting, kite flying and enjoying family meals together, this special day in the Orthodox faith combines the timeless values of purity, forgiveness, and communal joy. It not only marks the beginning of Lent but welcomes the arrival of spring and the start of new beginnings.

Maria Sakkari hires new coach to return to the top

The Greek Herald
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Maria Sakkari hires new coach to return to the top

Maria Sakkari added former coach of legend Venus Williams, David Witt, to her team, after Witt’s coaching came to an end with powerhouse Jessica Pegula two weeks ago.

Witt is the first new coach for the Greek champion since she announced the end of her professional partnership with Tom Hill after six years.

According to tennisuptodate.com, Sakkari and Witt’s alliance hopes to assist the former world No. 3 overcome her current troubles, which include several defeats in recent tournaments.

Witt’s first tournament with the Greek is now taking place at the Indian Wells Masters, played from March 6 to 17, with Sakkari set to face world no. 1 Iga Świątek in the final today.

Sakkari holds the No. 9 ranking for now, with a significant portion of her points coming from the end of the 2023 season.

Source: tennisuptodate.com

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Louvre museum set to host ‘Olympism’ exhibition

The Greek Herald
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Louvre museum set to host ‘Olympism’ exhibition

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Louvre Museum has announced a new exhibition delving into the rich history of the Olympics. “Olympism: Modern Invention, Ancient Legacy” opens April 24, and will follow the founding of the Games, and show the influence of ancient Greece on them. 

With a keen focus on the genesis of the modern Olympic Games, the exhibition aims to shed light on France’s pivotal role in their establishment, particularly in Paris. “Many may know Pierre de Coubertin as the father of the modern Olympics, but “Olympism” will also spotlight lesser-known figures, like Dimitrios Vikelas, Michel Bréal and Spyridon Lambros.

Photo: Stavros Niarchos Foundation

According to townandcountrymag.com, a centerpiece of the exhibition is “Bréal’s Cup,” the inaugural Olympic Cup crafted by French scholar Michel Bréal and awarded to the victor of the first marathon. The cup is on a special loan from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Other items on display will include ephemera from the first Olympic games, held in Athens in 1896. According to the museum, “as part of the programme of cultural events accompanying the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the exhibition will show how, in the name of sport, the disciplines of philology, history, art history and archaeology came together to create this global sporting event.”

“Olympism” is curated by Alexandre Farnoux, Professor of Greek Archaeology and Art History at Sorbonne University; Violaine Jeammet, Senior Curator in the Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Musée du Louvre; and Christina Mitsopoulou, Archaeologist at the University of Thessaly, French School at Athens.

Source: townandcountrymag.com

Athens crowned top city-break destination in Europe

The Greek Herald
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Athens crowned top city-break destination in Europe

At the 2024 World Travel Awards ceremony in Berlin on Wednesday, Athens was named Europe’s Leading City-break Destination. The prestigious award was received by Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of the Company of Development and Tourism Promotion of the Municipality of Athens (EATA).

According to amna.gr, Athens’ distinction at the 31st World Travel Awards seals the long-term strategy and efforts of the Municipality of Athens through the “This is Athens” program over the past decade for the city’s sustainable tourism development.

Photo: Alfie Sta

This is achieved through its promotion and recognition as a competitive city-break tourist destination, attracting visitors 12 months of the year. In 2023, Athens achieved a new record in international arrivals, surpassing 7 million visitors.

 One of the top tourism expos in Europe, ITB Berlin, is being held his week (March 5-7), and Athens is participating with a dedicated space at the Greek National Tourism Organization’s booth.

Source: amna.gr

New era for Philhellene restaurant at Moonee Ponds

The Greek Herald
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New era for Philhellene restaurant at Moonee Ponds

Moonee Ponds’ legendary Greek restaurant, Philhellene, is embarking on an exciting new chapter under the stewardship of Paul Chatzis, the new owner who aims to spotlight the Epirus region of Greece.

According to The Herald Sun, Paul, who recently took the helm of Philhellene alongside his wife Anna, aims to bring to the people a taste of his home beginning with a distinctive olive oil. “My best friend is producing it, down the road from where I grew up, and we’re the only ones to have it in Australia,” he said.

Eight months into their new venture on Mount Alexander Road, the couple is close to revealing the restaurant’s renovated dining area, kitchen, and wine cellar.

Spiros Kassidis of The Strand in Williamstown taking has taken the role of the head chef. Kassidis is set to enrich the menu with a selection of Greek imports in the near future.

Photo: www.mooneeponds3039.com.au

“We’re moving forward while respecting tradition,” Paul said.

“We haven’t changed the menu, though, as people love Greek food and there are a lot of traditional dishes and crowd favourites.”

Instead he’ll test the waters by sharing Epirus regional dishes on the specials menu.

“(The region is known for) having a lot of meat spits, so chicken, lamb and pork. And we’re famous for filo pies and pastries,” he said.

Paul’s dad has been a long-time chef at Oakleigh’s famed Kalimera Souvlaki Art.

Philhellene also holds a special place in the couple’s hearts.

“We met at the restaurant – and even got married there. It has a sentimental background for us,” Paul said.

Source: The Herald Sun

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