Cyprus Diaspora
Forum '26

THE THIRD

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

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A landmark event highlighting Cyprus as a dynamic, thriving hub for global business and innovation.

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.

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.

DR. PANTELI THEOCHAROUS

Chief Executive Officer of VectorGen,
Globally recognised Biotech Executive and Patient Advocate
United Kingdom, USA

Dr. Panteli Theocharous, PhD, FRCPath, is a globally recognised biotech executive and translational scientist with more than 35-years of leadership across haematology/oncology, cell and gene therapy, and advanced therapeutics. Trained as a clinical immunologist at the Royal Free Hospital and UCL, he is a pioneer in stem cell transplantation, including the use of pancreatic islet cells and iPSCs, with foundational scientific contributions adopted into international diagnostic and translational standards.
He has held executive C-Suite and global leadership roles across biotech, biopharma, and CRO environments, including Chief Therapeutics Officer, Chief Medical Officer, and Worldwide Head of Cell and Gene Therapy Strategy at Thermo Fisher Scientific/PPD. In these roles, Dr. Theocharous has led complex programmes from preclinical development through regulatory approval and commercialisation, engaging extensively with FDA, EMA, and global HTA bodies. His career reflects consistent enterprise value creation, contributing to significant transaction and partnership value, and supporting multiple successful venture financings, including a recent $55M Series A-1 financing round.
He is currently Chief Executive Officer of VectorGen, advancing next-generation lentiviral vector platforms for precision and potentially curative therapies, and serves as Chair of the Board of The Malcolm Orlando Ivy Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to patient-centric innovation and access, as well as a Trustee of The Liver Group Charity. A frequent invited speaker across the CGT ecosystem, he contributes thought leadership on clinical strategy, supply chain resilience, and patient journey design. He currently serves in executive, board, and advisory roles across innovative cell and gene therapy ventures, where he is valued as a strategic operator, trusted advisor, and builder of durable, high-impact organisations.
In 2025, Dr Theocharous received the CYDIA Health Award for Impact in Healthcare and the Cypriot Diaspora, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sector. Dr. Theocharous has also been appointed as the Healthcare Ambassador of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, global impact in healthcare, and unwavering commitment to advancing medical excellence, innovation, and collaboration between Cyprus and its diaspora.

DESPINA PANAYIOTOU THEODOSIOU

Co-CEO of Tototheo Global
President of the Board of the Association of Cypriot Professionals in Greece
Greece

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou is Joint Chief Executive Officer of Tototheo Global, an international technology company delivering advanced connectivity and digital solutions across the maritime, enterprise and government sectors. With a strong focus on satellite communications, IoT, AI-powered analytics, custom software development and cyber-secure infrastructure, she has played a key role in the company’s expansion into diverse industries, including shipping, energy, logistics, construction, retail and government.
Her work spans both the private and public sectors, combining commercial insight with a deep understanding of complex operational environments.
Despina is actively involved in cross-border economic and business organisations. In 2024, she was appointed President of the Board of the Association of Cypriot Professionals in Greece, and she currently serves as Vice President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, as well as a member of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation.
She is a member of the General Committee of the Association of S.A. & Entrepreneurship in Greece and sits on the Advisory Board of Cyprus’ European Digital Innovation Hub (DiGiNN), supporting efforts to strengthen national digital capabilities.
Her previous public service includes appointments as President of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Electricity Authority and Vice President of the Cyprus Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA). She also served on the Board of Directors of Invest Cyprus from 2019 to 2021. From 2017 to 2022, she served as President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International), leading a global network of more than 50 national associations.
In 2024, Despina received both the inaugural International Maritime Organization Gender Equality Award and the Republic of Cyprus Gender Equality Award, recognising her leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector.
She has been recognised six times among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping by Lloyd’s List, which also honoured her as International Personality of the Year at the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards in 2019. Earlier in her career, in 2017, Lloyd’s List recognised her among the Top 5 Next Generation in Shipping and the Top 10 Women in Shipping.
A frequent speaker at international forums on space, technology, energy and shipping, she brings a systems-level perspective to shaping the future of these interconnected sectors.
Despina is a graduate of the University of Oxford, Copenhagen Business School and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

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 - 13:30 Morning Sessions

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch

14:30 - 17:00 Afternoon Sessions

17:00 - 20:00 Early Evening Sessions

20:00 - 21:00 Wine and Cheese Reception

Conference Room A

09:00 - 12:00 Masterclass: Cyprus: Your EU Gateway for Tech Excellence
12:00 - 12:15 Coffee Break
12:20 - 13:00 Fintech and Banks: Impact and Innovations in Financial Technology
13:10 - 13:30 Keynote Experience: A New Page: Cyprus as a Global Family Office Hub
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
14:30 - 15:15 Strategic Wealth Management in Cyprus: Protection, Mobility and Crypto in an Era of Volatility
15:20 - 16:00 The Soltesz Institute: A unique learning experience in Payments and Banking
16:00 - 16:40 BLIS GLOBAL Solutions Showcase – Growing your business
16:45 - 17:20 AI-Driven Markets: Reimagining Cyprus' Business Strategy in 2026
17:20 - 17:40 RegTech and AI: Shaping the Future of Compliance and Regulation
17:45 - 18:00 Coffee Break
18:00 - 18:30 Fireside Chat: Demetrios Mallios
18:30 - 20:00 Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Entrepreneur's Showcase Event
20:00 - 21:00 Wine and Cheese Reception

Conference Room B

09:00 - 09:45 Culture and Art: Shaping Artistic Identity
10:00 - 10:25 Lightning Talk: Dimitri Leonidas
10:30 - 11:15 Lights, Camera, Cyprus: Shaping a Mediterranean Film Hub
11:15 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:20 Recruitment and Human Resources
12:25 - 13:30 Keynote Experience: Stephanos Papadopoulos: Levels of Connection 4.0
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

Conference Room C

09:00 - 09:45 Energy and Sustainability: Driving Cyprus' Regional Impact
10:00 - 10:45 Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity: Cyprus' Role in Building Secure Digital Corridors
11:00 - 11:45 The Evolution of Legal Services in Cyprus
12:00 - 12:15 Coffee Break
12:30 - 13:30 Women in Leadership and Innovation: Shaping the Future of Business, STEM, and Research
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
15:00 - 15:50 Content Creation: Reaching Global Audiences
16:00 - 17:00 Marketing and Branding: A Stronger Global Identity
17:00 - 17:15 Coffee Break

8 May 2026

08:00 - 18:00 Day 2

Friday

08:00 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 13:30 Morning Sessions

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch

14:30 - 17:30 Afternoon Sessions

Conference Room A

09:00 - 09:45 International Relations
09:50 - 10:50 Cyprus and the Gulf and MENA Regions
10:55 - 11:45 Cyprus as a Strategic EU Partner Bridging the Mediterranean and Central Asia
11:45 - 12:00 Coffee Break
12:00 - 12:40 Strengthening Cyprus–India Partnerships in Business and Creativity
12:45 - 13:30 Cyprus and Schengen
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
14:30 - 15:15 Fireside Chat: Theo Paphitis
15:20 - 16:00 Keynote Experience: James Demetriades: Building E-Commerce Success with Freedom and Purpose
16:00 - 16:15 Coffee Break
16:30 - 17:30 Fireside Chat: John Kiriakou

Conference Room B

09:00 - 09:45 The Strength of the Diaspora through Economic and Security Diplomacy
09:50 - 10:35 Repatriation to Cyprus: Bringing Talent Home
10:40 - 11:25 Keynote Experience: Minds in Cyprus
11:30 - 11:45 Coffee Break
11:45 - 12:30 Fireside Chat: Christophoros Papachristophorou
12:35 - 13:30 Real Estate and Investment: Cyprus as a Destination for Growth
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
14:30 - 15:25 The Future of Hospitality and Tourism in Cyprus: Smart, Sustainable, and Authentic
15:30 - 17:00 Game Changer: Building Cyprus' Sports Future
17:00 - 17:15 Coffee Break

Conference Room C

09:00 - 10:15 Health Frontiers: Advancing Care, Research and Innovation in Cyprus
10:20 - 10:45 Lightning Talk: Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients
10:50 - 12:00 Digital Health & Wellbeing: Innovation, Prevention, and Care in Cyprus
12:00 - 12:15 Coffee Break
12:15 - 13:30 Cyprus as a Global Destination for Education and Research Excellence
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
14:30 - 15:30 Workshop: Future-Ready Skills for a Global Career - Navigating Opportunities after Graduation
15:30 - 17:30 Workshop: Junior Achievement Cyprus: The Young Perspective
17:30 - 17:45 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

Elite Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Premium Sponsors

Business Partners

Corporate Partners

Strategic Partners

Fashion Partners

Production Partners

Media Partners

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