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SATURDAY 9 MAY 2026 | 19:30 | PARKLANE RESORT, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is proud to announce the nominees for the CYDIA Awards 2026, the annual celebration recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of Cypriots abroad and friends of Cyprus. The awards honour exceptional individuals across a range of categories, including the highly-anticipated Lifetime Achievement Award.
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We are delighted to announce that the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Theo Paphitis, the renowned British Cypriot retail entrepreneur, television Dragon and philanthropist.
Among the other distinguished honours, the Diaspora Ambassador Award will be 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 will be presented to Christos A. Poullaides, a prominent Bahrain-based construction industry leader with operations across the Middle East and Europe, and the Diaspora Ambassador Legacy Award will be awarded to Panos A. Panay, President of The Recording Academy and presenter of the Grammy Awards. The Diaspora Honorary Award, which recognises an exceptional individual whose achievements, leadership and enduring contribution have brought distinction to the global diaspora, will be awarded to Demetrios Mallios.
The nominees for the prestigious CYDIA Awards 2026 have now been announced. The awards will be presented on the final evening of Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026.
Below is a list of outstanding individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields and industries. We encourage the public to take part by voting for their preferred nominee in any of the categories. Your vote will help recognise and celebrate exceptional contributions and achievements within the community.
Voting closes on Sunday, 19 April 2026.
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* Nominees are listed in alphabetical order within each category.
Awarded to individuals whose work promotes Cyprus, encouraging tourism and showcasing its culture, creativity, hospitality, and opportunities on the international stage.
This award is presented to an individual or organisation that has used their efforts to promote or conserve their cultural heritage.
Awarded to an individual or organisation whose initiatives strive to bring about positive social and environmental change in a community.
​This award is presented to an individual or organisation that has made a unique and innovative contribution to the delivery of learning.
This award recognises outstanding achievements, leadership, and innovation in the financial and commerce industries.
This award recognises exceptional achievements and contributions in the fields of film, television, theatre or music worldwide.
This award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to healthcare, health advocacy or wellbeing initiatives.
This award honours those advancing change through responsible business, innovation and community engagement, creating lasting positive impact.
This award is presented in recognition of a particularly lauded literary piece or body of work that demonstrates creativity, impact, and excellence in storytelling.
The Marketing and Media Award recognises and rewards an individual or organisation's expertise, ability, and achievements in the either marketing or media.
This award celebrates an individual who has driven awareness, influence, engagement, and positive change for a specific cause within their community and beyond.
This award recognises excellence, innovation and achievement in real estate, shaping communities and setting new industry standards.
An award designed to recognise organisations and individuals that have made significant commitments to a project, charity or enterprise.
This award honours an individual from the world of sports, celebrating achievements, and contributions to inspiring excellence both on and off the field.
This award recognises the inspiring showcase of solutions and practices that are setting new benchmarks for quality and innovation.