The founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum Paul Lambis discusses his vision for fostering a dynamic connection between Cyprus and its global diaspora. He explains how the Forum, a unique blend of physical and virtual business-to-business events, aims to celebrate and harness the diaspora’s contributions to Cyprus’ economic, cultural, and technological growth. Lambis highlights the Forum’s focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the tech sector, aiming to position Cyprus as a prime business and investment hub.

Paul, what inspired you to establish the Cyprus Diaspora Forum?

As a former member of Cyprus’ vast diaspora family, born in South Africa in the 1970s and relocating to Cyprus in the early 2000s, I have always recognised the vital role that Cypriots of the diaspora play in branding our island to the rest of the world.

As ambassadors, our expatriates have not only promoted Cyprus as a tourist destination; they have also contributed to our country’s economic and cultural life for many decades, enriching the societies in which they live and work.

Through my television and web series Culturescope, as well as my work as a contributing writer to the island’s main English language newspaper, I have the luxury of interviewing members of our extended Cypriot family from a broad range of sectors and industries.

Cyprus has evolved into a dynamic business centre, offering numerous investment and employment opportunities to both locals and foreigners. While the Cyprus government continues to nurture the island’s potential, it is essential to use the Cypriot diaspora, their networks of high-net-worth individuals, wealth and investment managers, financial advisors, and so on, to communicate the benefits Cyprus offers as an investment destination – not just a sun and sea resort.

As a result, I decided to establish an annual event to recognise Cyprus’ pioneering individuals abroad, as well as their influence among their own networks, and invite them to an event that will not only showcase them as the island’s international pioneers, but also help strengthen the important work the public and private sectors are doing to further strengthen Cyprus’ importance as a regional business hub.

What are the main objectives of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, and how do you envision it impacting the diaspora and Cyprus itself?

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is a four-day physical and virtual business-to-business event that will bring 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 the Cyprus diaspora, while strengthening relations through entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy, cultural and social engagement.

However, in addition to prominent business professionals and talented Cypriot Diasporans who will be attending the event, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum has attracted a high level of interest from high-net-worth individuals and foreign investors interested in the island’s growth sectors and its unique investment opportunities. The event has also piqued the interest of local and international communities interested in networking with Cypriots of the diaspora in their home countries, engaging with Cypriots who have relocated back to Cyprus, and hearing about the multiple advantages of Cyprus from foreign nationals who have either invested or established permanent roots on the island.

The event will also be attended by high-ranking diplomats, ambassadors and high commissioners in an exclusive panel that will highlight the importance of their presence in Cyprus, the strengthening of bilateral ties, and how Cypriots who are based in their countries can assist in further strengthening ties between their nations and Cyprus.

Can you elaborate on the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Forum’s agenda, and how it aims to foster these elements within the Cypriot community?

The communal ties that Cyprus’ diaspora maintain with their ancestral homeland play a significant role in forging local-global relationships and building societies. We will look at how Cyprus may assist diaspora entrepreneurs and local organisations that serve as entrepreneurship hubs by providing them with the tools and information they need to succeed.

Another aspect of the forum is highlighting the importance of Cyprus as an established and growing tech hub in the European Union and a promising location for setting up headquarters, bringing together many flagship international tech companies, reinforcing the island’s ability to offer every resource needed for establishing one’s headquarters, launching a regional office such as back offices or development centres, expanding one’s business, or establishing an innovative startup.

Looking ahead, where do you see the Cyprus Diaspora Forum in the next five years, and what legacy do you hope it will create?

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is ultimately a platform for all, connecting Cypriots in the diaspora, the local community, and friends of Cyprus through a significant event with the primary purpose of improving Cyprus’ status as a leading business destination.

Encouraging investment in Cyprus will also significantly improve the lives of our citizens, create job opportunities, and boost overall human development, resulting in a slowing down of Cyprus’ brain drain of highly skilled individuals who leave the island due to a lack of employment opportunities.

To leave a legacy through your career, you must do something that will have a long-term impact. On a personal level, Cyprus has provided many opportunities for both me and my family, as well as many diaspora individuals who have opted to relocate here. In this case, my legacy is an inheritance, and I want to leave a stronger community of people who believe in Cyprus and its potential.