Cyprus Diaspora
Forum '26

THE THIRD

6-9 May 2026 | Amara Hotel, Limassol, Cyprus

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A landmark event showcasing Cyprus as a thriving hub for global business.

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum, founded by Paul Lambis, is recognised as one of the most strategic international business events, advancing Cyprus’ role as a competitive and forward-looking hub for trade, investment, and innovation. The Forum focuses on strengthening business relations between Cyprus and key global markets—including EU Member States, Greece, Malta, the Gulf and MENA regions, India, China, Australia, Africa, the USA, and Canada.

This four-day B2B and B2C event unites global Cypriot diaspora communities alongside influential leaders from Cyprus’ public and private sectors, academia, media, and civic society. With a strong emphasis on innovation and research commercialisation, the Forum not only recognises the contribution of the diaspora but also accelerates opportunities for entrepreneurship, cross-border investment, and international partnerships.

Beyond showcasing Cyprus’ unique geostrategic advantages, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum delivers a comprehensive outlook of the island’s major industries and sectors—from energy, tourism, shipping, real estate, and professional services to emerging fields such as film, fintech, health sciences, and green technologies—demonstrating the island’s growing impact on global markets.

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum attracts high-net-worth individuals, investors, C-Level Executives, and global corporations interested in Cyprus’ growth sectors and unique investment landscape. It also provides an unparalleled platform for establishing partnerships with local enterprises seeking to expand abroad, while spotlighting opportunities for scaling innovation-driven ventures.

The programme features high-level keynote presentations, panel discussions with global thought leaders, curated networking opportunities, and the prestigious CYDIA Awards, which celebrate excellence in business, innovation, and diaspora engagement.

By aligning diaspora strength, knowledge, and influence with Cyprus’ strategic sectors, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum is more than a networking platform—it is a catalyst for long-term investment, innovation, and sustainable growth, showcasing the island’s potential as a premier destination for international business and research-driven opportunities.

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Our aim is to position Cyprus as a strategic hub for global investment, innovation, and diaspora-driven growth.

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Why attend?

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The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is the perfect arena to meet prominent Cypriots of the diaspora, identify new business opportunities and consolidate partnerships.

Network with a unique mix of local and foreign leaders, including decision-makers and influencers from the public and private sectors.

A key highlight of the forum is its dynamic pitching events, where a select group of SMEs will present their businesses to potential investors.

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Be inspired and empowered to think boldly, move confidently, and harness sage business advice and insight from renowned global leaders.

Discover the most recent developments across a wide range of the island's growth sectors and what makes Cyprus a trusted international business centre in the European Union.

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum also serves as a launchpad for startups, giving them the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to investors.

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Where great minds reunite.

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Keynote Experiences. Panel Discussions. Fireside Chats. Workshops. Networking Events.

4

days

3

side events

14

growth sectors

34 +

exhibitors

130 +

speakers

300 +

global investors

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Speakers

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The Cyprus Diaspora Forum honours and promotes the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit of Cypriot Diasporans, Cypriots, and friends of Cyprus. The event hosts remarkable individuals as keynote speakers and panellists, which bring together a global community for meaningful networking, knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial spotlights, philanthropic causes, and cultural influences.

Below are some of the distinguished keynote speakers and panellists who will be taking part in the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026. Stay tuned — additional speakers for the 2026 Forum will be included soon.

PETER ABRAAM

Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
UAE, Australia

Peter Abraam is a respected leader with over three decades of international experience and a proven reputation for strategic planning, enhancing stakeholder value, and delivering major initiatives to exacting standards. He has held high-profile CEO and senior executive roles, achieving outstanding results for prominent companies and government entities around the world.
In early 2020, the Abu Dhabi–listed International Holding Company (ADX: IHC) appointed Peter as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. With a market capitalisation of AED 876 billion (USD 238 billion) and comprising more than 600 subsidiaries, Peter plays an integral role in shaping IHC’s strategic foundations—from acquisitions and communications through to strengthening its stakeholder ecosystem and sustainability initiatives.
As Chairman of the leading global event structures company Arena, Peter has overseen the team’s successful two-year turnaround. Arena now operates across 15 offices worldwide and boasts a prestigious roster of major event clients including the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, the Presidents and Ryder Cups, as well as significant installations at Formula 1 Grands Prix in Jeddah, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Austin, and Las Vegas.
Prior to leaving Australia, Peter led the Victorian Major Events Company, widely recognised as the world’s pre-eminent event procurement agency. As CEO for over eight years, he played a central role in developing Melbourne’s events calendar and building an enviable reputation for securing events that deliver more than AUD 1.8 billion in annual economic benefit.
From 1995, Peter developed the highly acclaimed Event Planning and Operations portfolios for the award-winning Melbourne FORMULA 1™ Grand Prix and MotoGP at Phillip Island. He was later sought to provide strategic advice throughout the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Peter is a Director of The Hellenic Initiative Australia and previously served as a Director of the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCTH), the Bank of Sydney (formerly Laiki Bank), and was a Founding Trustee of Cranleigh School. He was honoured to be appointed Team Attaché for Cyprus at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
A Fellow of Leadership Victoria and a graduate of RMIT University, he initially practised in landscape and urban design for the City of Melbourne. Of Greek Cypriot descent, Peter’s grandparents bravely left Cyprus in the late 1920s to settle in Australia. He is married to Penelope, and they have two daughters, Jacqueline and Gabriella.

YANNA DARILIS

On Camera Talent, Executive Producer, Broadcast Executive
USA, Greece

Yanna Darilis is a dynamic, multi-tasking media professional with extensive experience in broadcasting as an on-camera talent, producer, director, and writer. She recently joined the 77 WABC and Red Apple Media team in New York as Talent, Executive Producer, Director, Producer, and Director of Brand Creative. Yanna is also a major shareholder and the President of New Greek Television (NGTV), a 40-year-old legacy ethnic channel available on Time Warner–Spectrum–Charter, RCN, and Bell Fibe in Canada. She has over a decade of experience as Head of Production and Director of Communications for Success Plan Media.
A true trailblazer, Yanna made history as the first female producer to develop and host Greece’s inaugural English-language magazine show on Hellenic Broadcasting’s ERT World. Her show Hellenic Weekly also aired nationally on PBS. She is additionally the co-producer, writer, and host of the travel series Mediterranean Blue on PBS and on the OTE/Cosmote History Channel.
Early in her career, Yanna gained recognition as a lifestyle and fitness personality, hosting segments and working with NBC Universal, E! Entertainment, and Greece’s most popular morning programmes on Antenna and Star Channel. As a news anchor and on-camera talent specialising in lifestyle, fitness, fashion, and travel, Yanna has written, directed, and presented more than 90 travel features, news broadcasts, cooking shows, and magazine programmes. She has also written and provided voice-over talent for various documentaries.
Her career has been further enriched by roles within prestigious organisations, including presenting and participating in panels at the United Nations, SRC, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She served as Master of Ceremonies for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and as voice talent and Director in the control room for the test events.
Her public relations work has served as a bridge between Greece and the United States, and she is recognised as an ambassador of Hellenic cultural diplomacy by the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy. She is the Director of Communications and an Ambassador for the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, where she lectures on Hippocratic principles to medical school graduates.
Yanna combines her extensive media experience with a strong academic background in Film and Television, specialising in creative and executive production. She has served as Assistant Director of Film and Media Studies at New York College for the Empire State College (State University of New York) Athens campus. She also holds multiple degrees in Film and Media, Education, and Health Sciences, including a Doctorate in Integrative Medicine. She frequently shares her insights through television programming, published articles, lectures, and public speaking engagements.

DEMETRIS SKOURIDES

Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology
Cyprus

Demetris Skourides is a visionary leader in research, innovation, and technology, serving as the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus. He drives the country’s strategic direction in science and technology while shaping global conversations on AI, digital transformation, and innovation policy. He chairs the AI Taskforce and the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation, and he holds influential roles as a board member of JRC, a member of ESAF, the Future 100 Global Power Leaders, the Ignite Cyprus Initiative, and PRIMA: Partnership for Research & Innovation.
Demetris Skourides holds a BSc in Computer Science, with an emphasis on Software Engineering, from Arizona State University, USA, and an MBA from Henley Management College, UK. Among other things, he has been trained in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data monetisation, and sales, in programmes at Columbia, Stanford, MIT, and Harvard Universities respectively.
Demetris Skourides has worked with technology giants Oracle and Amazon Web Services. He joined Oracle Cyprus in 2006 after two years at the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation and has since followed an international career with Oracle, taking on management roles across Southeast Europe and Commonwealth countries. Among others, he has held executive positions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific countries, as a Cloud & ISV Solutions transformation leader.
Demetris Skourides spearheaded the establishment of Cloud Partner Centres of Excellence in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, South Korea, Kenya, and South Africa, which enabled partners to innovate, create new solutions, and bring them to market, creating new revenue streams.
In his most recent role, he worked at Amazon Web Services, Dubai, UAE, as Industry Strategist for EMEA Commercial Sales, driving innovative solutions for the financial services, retail, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
The Chief Scientist chairs, ex officio, the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation.

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Events

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6 May 2026

19:30 - 23:00 VIP Cocktail Event

Wednesday

Opening Ceremony

Presentation of Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026

Opening of Exhibition

Live Entertainment

Exclusive Performance

7 May 2026

08:00 - 20:45 Day 1

Thursday

08:00 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 11:15 Morning Sessions

11:15 - 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 - 13:30 Noon Sessions

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch

14:30 - 16:45 Afternoon Sessions

16:45 - 17:00 Coffee Break

17:00 - 19:00 Sessions, Various Events

Conference Room A

09:00 – 09:30 Keynote: Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation

09:40 – 10:25 Innovation and Research Commercialisation

10:30 – 11:15 AI-Driven Markets: Reimagining Cyprus’ Business Strategy in 2026

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:20 Fintech and Banks: Impact and Innovations in Financial Technology

12:30 – 13:25 Strategic Wealth Management in Cyprus: Protection, Mobility and Crypto in an Era of Volatility

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 16:30 Keynote Experience: Fokas Beyond: Mastering the Stock Market for Financial Freedom

16:45 – 17:00 Coffee Break

17:00 – 17:25 Forex Innovation and Regulation

17:30 – 17:55 RegTech and AI: Shaping the Future of Compliance and Regulation

18:00 – 18:30 Fireside Chat: Demetrios Mallios

18:30 – 19:30 Entrepreneurs' Showcase Event

19:45 – 20:45 Wine & Cheese Reception

Conference Room B

09:00 – 09:40 Cyprus’ Business Landscape: Staying Ahead of the Curve

09:50 – 10:35 Enhancing Trade Relations

10:40 – 11:15 International Relations

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:15 Keynote Experience: James Demetriades: Building E-Commerce Success with Freedom and Purpose

12:20 – 13:30 Keynote Experience: Stephanos Papadopoulos: Levels of Connection 4.0

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:00 Keynote Experience: Matthew Zorpas: The Power of Creative Communities: Building Global Bridges

Through Culture, Connection, and Purpose

15:10 – 16:00 Content Creation: Reaching Global Audiences

16:30 – 17:15 Marketing and Branding: A Stronger Global Identity

Conference Room C

09:00 – 10:00 Energy and Sustainability: Driving Cyprus’ Regional Impact

10:15 – 11:10 Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity: Cyprus' Role in Building Secure Digital Corridors

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:20 The Strength of the Diaspora through Economic and Security Diplomacy

12:35 – 13:20 Repatriation to Cyprus: Bringing Talent Home

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:30 The Evolution of Legal Services in Cyprus

15:40 – 16:30 Women in Leadership and Innovation: Shaping the Future of Business, STEM, and Research

Meeting Room D

11:30 – 12:15 Recruitment and Human Resources

14:30 – 15:20 BLIS GLOBAL Solutions Showcase – Growing your business

8 May 2026

08:00 - 18:00 Day 2

Friday

08:00 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 11:15 Morning Sessions

11:15 - 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 - 13:30 Noon Sessions

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch

14:30 - 16:45 Afternoon Sessions

16:45 - 17:00 Coffee Break

17:30 - 18:00 Sessions, Various Events

Conference Room A

09:00 – 10:15 Cyprus and the Gulf and MENA Regions

10:25 – 11:15 Cyprus as a Strategic EU Partner Bridging the Mediterranean and Central Asia

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:20 Strengthening Cyprus–India Partnerships in Business and Creativity

12:30 – 13:30 Cyprus and Schengen

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:30 Health Horizons: Positioning Cyprus as a Regional Leader in Innovation and Care

15:35 – 15:55 Lightning Talk: Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients

16:00 – 16:45 Cyprus as a Pharmaceutical Hub

16:45 – 17:00 Coffee Break

17:00 – 18:00 Fireside Chat: TBA

Conference Room B

09:00 – 10:00 Culture and Art: Shaping Artistic Identity

10:10 – 10:30 Lightning Talk: Dimitri Leonidas

10:35 – 11:15 Lights, Camera, Cyprus: Shaping a Mediterranean Film Hub

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:15 The Future of Hospitality and Tourism in Cyprus: Smart, Sustainable, and Authentic

12:20 – 13:30 Real Estate and Investment: Cyprus as a Destination for Growth

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:30 Game Changer: Building Cyprus’ Sports Future

15:40 – 16:20 Fireside Chat: Matt Fiddes

16:45 – 17:00 Coffee Break

Conference Room C

09:00 – 10:00 Cyprus as a Global Destination for Education and Research Excellence

10:15 – 11:15 Workshop: Future-Ready Skills for a Global Career - Navigating Opportunities after Graduation

11:15 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 13:30 Workshop: Junior Achievement Cyprus: The Young Perspective

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:50 Pitching Event: Launchpad for Start-ups

16:00 – 16:40 Fireside Chat: TBA

16:45 – 17:00 Coffee Break

9 May 2026

19:30 - 02:00 CYDIA Awards 2026

Saturday

19:30 - 02:00 CYDIA Awards 2026

Third annual awards ceremony honouring diaspora individuals in various categories.

Formal event includes dinner and live local and international entertainment. This event will be held at the Parklane Resort in Limassol, Cyprus.

NOTE: Certain keynote presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking events will be televised and livestreamed. The programme will be announced soon.

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TOPICS 2026

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Our Partners

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Main Sponsor

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Elite Sponsors

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Premium Sponsors

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Gold Sponsors

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Silver Sponsors

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Bronze Sponsors

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Connection Partner

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Business Partners

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Corporate Partners

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Ecosystem Partners

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Academic Partners

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Strategic Partners

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Fashion Partners

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Production Partners

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Media Partners

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Sponsors of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum benefit from a variety of opportunities. Aside from increased brand visibility, enhanced reputation, and access to a unique audience of high-net-worth individuals, this prominent event provides an excellent opportunity to meet well-known and pioneering Cypriots of the diaspora, while identifying new business prospects, and consolidating partnerships.

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Location

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Welcome to the AMARA, Limassol, the host venue for the Cyprus Diaspora Forum '26.

Located in the idyllic coastal city of Limassol, the AMARA offers a living panoramic vision that owns the horizon. In addition to its artfully appointed rooms and suites all offering 180-degree views of the sea, the AMARA boasts world-class restaurants headed by prominent celebrity chefs, a signature spa, infinity pool and grand conference areas, providing visitors and guests of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 with an unparalleled degree of luxury in Cyprus.

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Book your accommodation for the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum has partnered with a selection of participating hotels to offer preferential rates to attendees. To take advantage of these special rates, please use the provided codes and/or link when making your reservation.

VOUCHER CODE: DIASPORACY

VOUCHER CODE: DIASPORACY

I was most impressed with the gravitas of the entire event and the attendees it attracted from all over the world. The Cyprus Diaspora Forum has an important role in the future development of Cyprus and the interaction in bringing together prominent Cypriots of the diaspora.

John George Mavrokordatos

Honorary Consul of South Africa in Cyprus

South Africa