What happens when 800,000 global Cypriots are mobilised around a shared economic vision? The result is the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2025—an extraordinary four-day event in Limassol that welcomed over 2,000 delegates from more than 30 countries.
Hailed as one of the most strategically important diaspora events in recent years, the Forum served not only as a reunion of communities but as a vital platform to redefine Cyprus’ global engagement model.
Diaspora ties are often spoken of in sentimental terms. However, this gathering revealed something far more dynamic: the diaspora as a driving force for foreign direct investment (FDI), innovation, and policy influence.
The Forum showcased a distinguished lineup of international speakers, including Dr. Panteli Theocharous, Chief Therapeutics Officer; mining entrepreneurs and clean energy advocates Adonis and Phoevos Pouroulis; Miltos Kambourides, Founder of Dolphin Capital Partners; Talia McKinney of the SERHANT. Group in New York; Larisa B. Miller of Phoenix Global Group Holdings, Inc.; Dr. Stavros Nicolaou from Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa; Dr. Peter Loizou of Pnyx Hill; Phanos Theophanous of Cypriots in the City (UK); celebrity chef and TV personality Tonia Buxton; Frank Bothwell, Owner of Thomas Franks Limited; Olympic fencer Alexander Tofalides; and Dr. Costas Fantis, Founder and CEO of Encode Health. They were joined by a host of other high-profile guests spanning diverse sectors, including Netflix personalities, cultural icons, ambassadors, government officials, and dignitaries. Their collective insights highlighted the global impact of the Cypriot diaspora and the wealth of opportunity it represents for Cyprus’ sustainable future.
With a domestic population of just 1.37 million and a vast diaspora spanning the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, the United States and beyond, Cyprus stands to benefit enormously when these global connections are strategically engaged. The Cyprus Diaspora Forum showcased how diaspora engagement translates into meaningful investment, knowledge transfer, and cultural exchange, all crucial drivers of innovation and sustainable growth.
Importantly, the Forum was not limited to the Cypriot diaspora. It also welcomed Cypriots who have returned to live on the island, as well as foreign nationals who have invested in or permanently relocated to Cyprus. Notably, the event attracted significant interest from high-net-worth individuals and international investors keen on exploring the island’s key growth sectors, investment potential, and partnership opportunities with local businesses seeking to expand globally.
A standout moment of the event was the CYDIA Awards 2025, which honoured outstanding individuals whose achievements have elevated Cyprus on the global stage. Among the prestigious accolades were the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Dr Theodoros Potamitis; the Diaspora Entrepreneur Award, awarded to Demetrios Constantinides; the Diaspora Ambassador Award, awarded to Loucas Pouroulis; and the Impact Award, presented on behalf of the Cypriots of the Diaspora to the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides. The Legacy Award was awarded posthumously to British Cypriot pop icon George Michael, celebrating his enduring influence. Each recipient’s inspirational story continues to energise and unite the global Cypriot community.
Complete list of CYDIA Award Winners:
Category: Contribution to Society
Winner: Phanos Theophanous (UK)
Category: Education
Winner: Sophia Petrides (Cyprus, UK)
Category: Finance and Commerce
Winner: Professor Christos Droussiotis (USA)
Category: Film, TV, Theatre, Music
Winner: Yiana Pandelis (Australia, USA)
Category: Health
Winner: Dr. Panteli Theocharous (UK)
Category: Hospitality and Tourism
Winner: Tonia Buxton (UK)
Category: Literature
Winner: Adrianne Roy (UK)
Category: ‘Artemis Pouroulis’ Culture and Arts Award
Winner: Halime Özdemir-Larusso
Category: Media
Winner: Laura Neroulias Bisiotis (USA)
Category: Movement for Change
Winner: Costa Constanti (Australia, Cyprus)
Category: Real Estate
Winner: Giorgos Michael Georgiou (UK)
Category: Social and Philanthropy
Winner: Mandy Yamanis (Zimbabwe, Cyprus)
Category: Sports
Winner: James Demetriou (Australia)
Category: Startups and Innovation
Winner: Cyprus Seeds
Category: Impact Award
Winner: Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus
Category: Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry ‘Diaspora Entrepreneur’ Award
Winner: Demetrios Constantinides
Category: Diaspora Ambassador Award
Winner: Loucas Pouroulis
Category: Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Dr. Theodoros Potamitis
Category: Legacy Award
Winner: George Michael (Posthumous recognition)
This year’s Forum reaffirmed the critical role the diaspora plays in shaping Cyprus’ economic, cultural, and social landscape. Far more than a celebration, the Forum delivered a compelling call to action—championing continued innovation, partnership, and strategic investment.
Special recognition was given to Paul Lambis, Founder and CEO of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening diaspora networks and enhancing Cyprus’ international business relationships. Appreciation was also expressed to the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, the main sponsor of the event.
Other key highlights of the Forum included a dynamic pitching event, held in collaboration with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the local Chambers of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Pafos. Eleven Cypriot SMEs had the opportunity to present their ventures to a full audience of investors and potential partners. The programme also featured a startup launchpad powered by Cyprus Seeds, as well as two insightful panel discussions co-organised with BEST INVEST Congress, focusing on strengthening business relationships between Cyprus and the GCC and MENA regions. Additionally, a series of educational workshops were delivered, designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
As the Forum concluded, one message resonated above all: the global Cypriot experience truly matters. Cyprus, as a homeland, remains open and committed to embracing bold ideas, worldwide innovation, and meaningful collaboration. The Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2025 stands as a compelling testament to the strength of unity, the power of shared heritage, and a collective vision for a more prosperous and connected future.
Looking ahead, the third Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 is set to take place from 6–9 May 2026, continuing the momentum and deepening the global dialogue that began in Limassol.
The materials were provided by the Forum organisers.
