Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides opening address at the VIP Cocktail Event, Cyprus Diaspora Forum 7-10 May 2025
Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides opening address at the VIP Cocktail Event
Cyprus Diaspora Forum 7-10 May 2025
Your Excellency, President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou,
Esteemed Mr. Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Esteemed Mr. Marios Tanousis, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Cyprus,
Dear Mr. Paul Lambis, Founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum,
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
It is both an honour and a privilege to address you today at the 2nd anniversary of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
This Forum is more than a meeting where great minds reunite. The forum sets forward the activation of a dynamic platform that connects Cypriots across continents and generations. With more than 800,000 Cypriots living abroad, the Cyprus Diaspora sets forward a mission with the potential to connect us all one day. As a former member of the Diaspora myself, I longed for updates, opportunities to engage and be engaged. The Cyprus diaspora is a part of our history; a vital extension of our national capability; and a global network of influence, talent, and opportunity. ToYou all are a part of us.
Today, the diaspora plays a pivotal role in shaping how Cyprus is perceived on the international stage. It promotes our culture, builds bridges of trust and trade, and opens new channels for investment, innovation, and collaboration, in simple words, Irrespective of where you are, you contribute as Cypriot citizens of the Diaspora with tokens of Trust, Integrity and Credibility helping Cyprus build its brand abroad, and for this I would like to thank you.
This year’s event is attracting more than 1000 participants from more than 15 countries creating an atmosphere where local and international communities can connect, collaborate together, envision new opportunities, and set forward ambitious, disruptive projects that will one day be achievements and trophies for our youth, the younger generations that will carry on the legacies of today.
With the organizers’ vision in mind, the Research & Innovation Foundation – of which I have the honour to serve as president – proudly supports the Forum and shares the same ambition, to position Cyprus at the forefront of the global innovation and business landscape. I would to particularly extend my sincere appreciation to Mr Paul Lambis for exhibiting resilience, tenacity, persistence and building the platform that brings us all here today. I would also like to extend my heartfealt appreciation to all sponsors, partners whose valuable support is making this event a reality today.
I would also like to seize the occasion to welcome all of you. Allow me to pay tribute to your investment in time and resources away from your families and duties exhibiting tokens of trust, commitment. Your efforts and initiatives to empower the Cypriot community on an international level are truly commendable. You are invaluable ambassadors of Cyprus worldwide, contributing significantly to enhancing our presence on the global stage and enriching our society both culturally and financially. Rest assured that we appreciate and will cherish every contribution you make.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem has seen remarkable growth in recent years and continues to evolve rapidly. Our country is home to world-class universities, seven centres of excellence, numerous private and public research institutes, and a vibrant community of over 2,500 researchers, 400 startups, 4,000 entrepreneurially-minded individuals, and over 130 tech companies.
This growing momentum and promising potential are also confirmed by international assessments. Cyprus has maintained its status as a Strong Innovator within the European Union for a 3rd consecutive year, ranking 10th among 27 member states were ranked -for the first time- among the top 50 startup ecosystems globally by Startup Blink. In the Global Innovation Index, our country has climbed to the 27th place worldwide, however what makes us feel prouder are the stories of Cypriot innovators, companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists and members of the diaspora like yourselves who are making the headlines every day.
From the Far West to the Far East and from North to South, Cyprus boasts success stories in every industry you can think of. Cyprus features Nobel prize winners, leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, some working for SME companies growing at disruptive pace, others for goverments, global corporations, proving that a nation with a formidable mindset, passion, and brilliance can overcome the impossible and has the potential to outshine even brighter stars in its geographic region.
Let me re-assure you that the continued development of this ecosystem is a top priority for me as Chief Scientist, as well as the Deputy Minister of Digital Policy of Research and Innovation. We have bold ambitions to create a future in which Cypriots can thrive locally as much as they do abroad, a future that provides every Cypriot with an opportunity to pursue their profession and passion without building a home away from home. To achieve the above both myself as Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Deputy Minister for Digital Policy of Research and innovation have set out to develop scientific, innovation and technology related partnerships through MoUs aimed at creating new opportunities.
Before concluding I would like thank the members of the Cypriot Diaspora who have already been enablers in our mission, and re-iterate the importance the Forum plays in connecting talents, inspiring meaningful engagement, and building lasting bridges.
I invite you to share your success stories, celebrate every collective success and engage regularly as we rebuild the art of possible benefiting from this extraordinary opportunity in reuniting great minds with the intent of making Cyprus visible across the globe. As Vision Cyprus 2035, we aspire to to make Cyprus one of the world’s safest countries to live, work and do business in.
Thank you.