CIM Speech President
Speech by the President of the Republic of Cyprus
15th Anniversary of the Collaboration between CIM – The Cyprus Business School and the University of West London
29 April 2026
Honourable Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth,
Your Excellency, Mr Michael Tatham, the British High Commissioner to Cyprus,
Professor Peter John, Vice Chancelor of the University of West London,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tonight, we do not simply mark the anniversary of an academic partnership. We celebrate a decision that helped open a new chapter in Cyprus’s educational, professional, and economic journey.
It is with genuine pride and warmth that I address you on this important milestone — the 15th anniversary of the collaboration between the Cyprus Business School and the University of West London.
Fifteen years ago, a bold vision took root in our country. Cyprus Business School dared to believe that Cypriot students should not have to leave our island in order to access a world-class business education. It reached across the sea to a respected British university and planted the seeds of what would become far more than an academic agreement.
Tonight, we celebrate the living fruits of that courage: graduates who are now leading businesses, innovating across sectors, strengthening our economy, and carrying the name of Cyprus with distinction wherever they go.
The story of Cyprus Business School and the University of West London reflects the story of modern Cyprus itself: a small country with global ambition, deep talent, and the determination to turn limitations into platforms for progress.
The origins of this journey are both humble and inspiring. In January 2011, just six pioneering students stepped into that first classroom, full of hope and possibility. Today, that small spark has become a bright flame. Student numbers have grown dramatically, programmes have expanded, and this partnership has earned a reputation for excellence, high employability, and real impact on people’s lives.
This is not just success. This is transformation.
Education is Cyprus’s most powerful promise to its people.
It says to the young graduate: your future can begin right here, on this beautiful island.
It says to the working professional, the mother or father balancing career and family: your ambitions are not behind you — they are still ahead.
It says to the entrepreneur, the innovator, the public servant, and every dreamer with fire in their heart: Cyprus believes in you, and we will give you the tools to rise.
Every graduate of this partnership carries more than a degree. They carry confidence. They carry international exposure. They carry the proof that excellence can be built in Cyprus, from Cyprus, and for Cyprus — while remaining connected to the world.
This collaboration also reflects the enduring people-to-people bond between Cyprus and the United Kingdom, a relationship built not only on history, but on education, trust, mobility, enterprise, and shared values. It is a bridge between two countries, but also a bridge between aspiration and opportunity.
This partnership has always stood for something deeper than qualifications. It chose quality over quantity. It began with two Bachelor programmes and grew thoughtfully, including highly relevant programmes such as the MSc in Digital Marketing, always aligned with the evolving needs of our economy and society.
It proved that international standards and local relevance can walk hand in hand. It proved that when institutions act with patience, seriousness, and purpose, they can create lasting value for students, employers, families, and the country.
As we look toward Cyprus Vision 2035, this collaboration is a shining example of the country we are determined to build: more competitive, more resilient, more outward-looking, and more inclusive.
A Cyprus where knowledge opens doors.
A Cyprus where partnerships bring the world closer to our people.
A Cyprus where the size of our island never limits the scale of our dreams.
A Cyprus in which every citizen, regardless of background, can develop their talent, contribute to our shared prosperity, and participate in the future we are building together.
When Cyprus invests in education, it does not only prepare students for the future — it prepares the country to lead it.
The true strength of this journey lies in the people behind it. I want to sincerely congratulate and thank the leadership and academic staff of Cyprus Business School and the University of West London, the dedicated administrators, the proud graduates, and every student who has walked through these doors.
You are the believers who turned vision into reality.
You are the bridge-builders between Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
You embody the spirit of perseverance, excellence, and collaboration that our nation needs.
Looking ahead, I am encouraged by the renewed five-year agreement, the development of new programmes, the expansion of executive education, and the growing focus on research and innovation.
This partnership is not resting on its achievements. It is accelerating.
And as Cyprus strengthens its position as a regional centre for education, talent, enterprise, and opportunity, partnerships like this will be at the very heart of our success.
True education does not merely prepare people for the world as it is. It equips them to shape the world as it should be. It builds judgment, adaptability, responsibility, and courageous leadership. It teaches us that when we combine global excellence with Cypriot heart, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Let this anniversary remind us that the future of Cyprus will not be built by geography, size, or circumstance. It will be built by knowledge, courage, partnerships, and people who believe that this country can stand proudly among the best.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, I extend my warmest congratulations to The Cyprus Business School and the University of West London on this important anniversary.
May the next fifteen years be even bolder, even more impactful, and even more meaningful for Cyprus, for our young people, and for the future we are building together, in line with Cyprus Vision 2035.
Thank you very much.