A defining highlight of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum® 2026 was the prestigious CYDIA Awards® 2026, an exceptional celebration recognising individuals whose achievements, leadership, innovation, and influence have elevated Cyprus on the global stage.  Held in the presence of Her Excellency Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, representing H.E. President Nikos Christodoulides, alongside Ambassadors, High Commissioners, dignitaries, and international representatives, the ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of the global Cypriot community.

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The evening’s highest honour, the Diaspora Ambassador Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Theo Paphitis, the renowned British Cypriot retail entrepreneur, television Dragon, and philanthropist, in recognition of his outstanding achievements, entrepreneurial success, and lasting international impact.

​Among the evening’s distinguished honours, the Diaspora Ambassador Award was presented to Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Joint CEO of Tototheo Global and President of the Board of the Association of Cypriot Professionals in Greece. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Diaspora Entrepreneur Award was awarded to Christos A. Poullaides, a leading Bahrain-based construction industry entrepreneur with operations across the Middle East and Europe.

The Diaspora Ambassador Legacy Award was presented to Panos A. Panay, President of The Recording Academy, home of the Grammy Awards, recognising his exceptional leadership and global influence. The Diaspora Ambassador Honorary Award was bestowed upon Demetrios Mallios, Founder and CEO of AEON Group and Greece’s TV Dragon, honouring his remarkable achievements and enduring contribution to the international diaspora.

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The CYDIA Awards® 2026 took place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at the prestigious Parklane Resort & Spa in Limassol, Cyprus, as part of an elegant gala dinner featuring an evening of recognition, culture, and world-class entertainment. The ceremony opened with a spectacular performance choreographed by acclaimed choreographer Antigoni Tasouri, celebrating Cypriot culture and heritage through an innovative fusion of contemporary and traditional dance inspired by the intricate artistry and historical significance of Lefkara lace. Narrated by Christos Gregoriades and featuring music by renowned Cypriot composer Costas Cacoyannis, the performance created a memorable opening moment that captivated guests.

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The entertainment programme continued with outstanding performances by Vienna-based soprano Chryso Makariou, Sofia Patsalides, the Amalgamation Choir, Alexandros Tsangarides, and Savvas Mouskos, culminating in a special live concert by celebrated Greek Cypriot artists Stavros Konstantinou and Antri Karantoni. The evening was hosted by Emilia Papadopoulos and Dr. Yanna Darilis.

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COMPLETE LIST OF CYDIA AWARDS® 2026 WINNERS

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ADVOCATING CYPRUS​

EFFIE ATHANASSIOU

AUSTRALIA

 

 

'ARTEMIS POUROULIS' CULTURE AND ARTS AWARD​

AVGI POURGOURA

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY​

LUCY LOIZOU

UNITED KINGDOM

 

'UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS' EDUCATION AWARD​

ANDROULLA POUTZIOURIS

UNITED KINGDOM, CYPRUS

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FINANCE AND COMMERCE​

DR. DEMETRIOS ZAMBOGLOU

UAE

 

 

'GEORGE MICHAEL' ENTERTAINMENT AWARD​

DAPHNE ALEXANDER

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

HEALTH​

DR. ELENI TOUMARIDES

USA

 

 

IMPACT​

DR. MARIA KRAMBIA-KAPARDIS

AUSTRALIA, CYPRUS

 

 

LITERATURE​

SOULLA CHRISTODOULOU

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

MARKETING AND MEDIA​

RAFAELLA MEHMET

UAE, CYPRUS

 

 

MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE​

CHARALAMBOS TOUMAZIS

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

REAL ESTATE​

ANASTASIA YIANNI

RUSSIA, CYPRUS

 

 

SOCIAL AND PHILANTHROPY​

CHRIS CHRISTOFI

AUSTRALIA

 

 

SPORTS​

THE KYRENIA NAUTICAL CLUB

CYPRUS

 

 

STARTUPS AND INNOVATION​

CONNIE CHRISTOFI

UNITED KINGDOM, CYPRUS

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HONORARY CYDIA AWARDS® 2026 WINNERS

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DIASPORA AMBASSADOR AWARD​

DESPINA PANAYIOTOU THEODOSIOU

GREECE

 

 

CYPRUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEUR AWARD​

CHRISTOS A. POULLAIDES

BAHRAIN

 

 

DIASPORA AMBASSADOR LEGACY AWARD​

PANOS A. PANAY

USA

 

 

DIASPORA AMBASSADOR HONORARY AWARD​

DEMETRIOS MALLIOS

USA, GREECE

 

 

DIASPORA AMBASSADOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD​

THEO PAPHITIS

UNITED KINGDOM

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The CYDIA Awards® continue to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Cypriots and friends of Cyprus worldwide, strengthening global connections and recognising individuals who inspire progress, innovation, and excellence across generations.