Asteroid Day 2026 – On behalf of the President
Distinguished Mayor,
Honourable Deputy Mayors,
Dear Mr George Troullias,
Representatives of Government, academia and the scientific community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour to join you this evening on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, for Asteroid Day 2026.
Allow me first to congratulate the KITION Planetarium & Observatory for bringing together scientists, educators, students, families and citizens in celebration of science and discovery.
Tonight, we gather in Kiti.
A place whose name carries thousands of years of history.
For centuries, people living on this land looked towards the horizon to navigate the seas.
Today, through the work of the KITION Planetarium & Observatory, Cyprus once again looks beyond the horizon, this time towards the stars.
This transformation from ancient heritage to modern scientific exploration perfectly reflects the journey our country is making.
A journey from history to innovation.
From tradition to technology.
From aspiration to international contribution.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Asteroid Day is far more than an annual scientific celebration.
It reminds us that our planet is part of a much larger and constantly evolving universe.
The same asteroids that preserve the history of our Solar System also remind us of our collective responsibility to understand, monitor and protect our planet.
Today, planetary defence is no longer science fiction.
It is an international scientific priority.
NASA’s DART mission demonstrated that humanity can successfully alter the trajectory of an asteroid.
ESA’s Hera mission, which will soon reach the Didymos system, will provide invaluable knowledge for future planetary defence.
These achievements prove what international cooperation, science and innovation can accomplish when nations work together.
Cyprus is proud to contribute to this global effort.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
None of this happens by chance.
It begins with people who dedicate their lives to science.
People with vision.
People with persistence.
People like George Troullias.
For almost two decades, he and his team have transformed a personal passion into one of Cyprus’ most recognised science outreach initiatives.
From astronomy education and international collaborations, to asteroid discoveries, scientific publications and the inspiration of thousands of young people, the KITION Planetarium & Observatory has demonstrated that meaningful scientific impact does not depend on the size of a country.
It depends on determination.
This contribution deserves our recognition.
Because every child who discovers Saturn through a telescope…
Every student who decides to study physics…
Every young researcher inspired by a visit to this observatory…
represents another investment in the future of Cyprus.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Chief Scientist, I firmly believe that the future of our country will be shaped not only by economic indicators, but by our capacity to generate knowledge.
Knowledge creates innovation.
Innovation creates prosperity.
And science creates resilience.
This is why the Government continues to invest in research, innovation, advanced technologies and our emerging space ecosystem.
Our ambition is clear.
To establish Cyprus as a regional hub for research, innovation and space technologies.
To attract talent.
To strengthen international partnerships.
And to inspire the next generation to believe that scientific excellence can flourish here, in Cyprus.
Because the greatest resource of our country is not beneath our feet.
It is within our people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There is something remarkable about looking at the night sky.
It reminds us how small we are.
But it also reminds us how extraordinary humanity can become when curiosity meets knowledge.
Every major scientific breakthrough began with a simple question.
Every great discovery began with someone who dared to look a little further.
That is exactly what institutions like the KITION Planetarium & Observatory encourage us to do.
To remain curious.
To remain ambitious.
To never stop exploring.
As we celebrate Asteroid Day 2026, let us also celebrate those who inspire others to pursue science.
Those who build bridges between education and research.
Between Cyprus and the world.
And between today’s dreams and tomorrow’s discoveries.
On behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, I congratulate the KITION Planetarium & Observatory, Mr George Troullias, all volunteers, scientists and partners for their remarkable contribution over the past eighteen years.
May your journey continue to inspire generations of young Cypriots to look up…
not only with wonder,
but with purpose.
Thank you.