CF2025

Cyprus Forum Athens

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Agenda

Igniting Dialogue, Inspiring Change

The expansion to Athens marks an exciting new chapter for the Cyprus Forum, the annual forum dedicated to fostering dialogue and driving impactful change. As part of the Cyprus Forum series, the launch in Athens highlights our commitment to broadening our reach and engaging with diverse perspectives on critical issues.

Since its inception, the Cyprus Forum has been at the forefront of bringing together policymakers, academics, civil society representatives, and thought leaders to collaborate on solutions for a better future. By establishing a presence in Athens, we aim to amplify these conversations, drawing upon the city’s historic role as a birthplace of democracy and its vibrant, forward-looking community.

Whether you’re in Athens, Cyprus, or beyond, your voice matters. Let’s come together to spark dialogue, exchange ideas, and shape meaningful change. Join us in igniting dialogue and inspiring change.

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AKIS SKERTSOS

Akis Skertsos is the Minister of State Responsible for the Coordination of Government Policies.

He served as Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Responsible for the Coordination of Government Policies and he also performed duties as a Government Representative.

He holds a Master of Arts in Political Management and Lobbying from George Washington University of USA, a BA in Journalism and Communications from Aristoteleion Panepistimion Thessalonikis.

ALEXIS PANTAZIS

Alexis Pantazis is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hellas Direct, a digital-first, full-stack insurance company leveraging advanced technology and AI to transform the insurance sector.

Since its founding in 2011, Hellas Direct has received multiple awards and been recognized by the Financial Times among Europe’s fastest-growing companies, supported by leading international investors.

Alexis previously held senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Boston Consulting Group, Miramax Films, and the European Commission, and began his career in mergers and acquisitions at Credit Suisse First Boston.

A Fulbright and Chevening Scholar with degrees from Cambridge and Wharton, he is an Endeavor Global Entrepreneur, serves on the Endeavor Greece Board, and was recently invited to join Cyprus’ National Board for Research and Innovation.

ANASTASIOS GAITANIS

Dr. Anastasios (Tasos) Gaitanis is a First Degree Specialist Operational Scientist at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (IIBEAA), specializing in PET/CT molecular imaging.

He holds a PhD in Medical Physics from the University of Patras and an MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Surrey.

Since 2003, he has been working at IIBEAA, contributing to the development of PET/CT preclinical imaging infrastructure and quality assurance.

He has participated in research projects, published in international journals, and served as an evaluator for EU research proposals.

In parallel, he has been active in public life: he served as President of the Municipal Council of Kallithea (2014–2019) and as Press Representative of the New Democracy party (2019–2023).

Since August 2024, he has held the position of Secretary General for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Development.

ANDREAS THEOPHANOUS

Andreas Theophanous was born in Cyprus on February 14, 1960. In 1980, he went to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship. He received his BA degree in Economics and Political Science (with distinction, baccalaureate) from Susquehanna University in 1983. In the same year he was offered an Assistantship from the Department of Economics of The Pennsylvania State University from which he received the MA and PhD degrees in Economics in 1985 and 1988 respectively. He served as Economic Advisor to the President of the Republic of Cyprus George Vassiliou from September 1990 to February 1993.

Theophanous is Professor of Economics and Public Policy, the President of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs and also the Head of the Department of Politics and Governance of the University of Nicosia. Theophanous’ areas of interest focus on Cyprus related issues, governance in biethnic and multiethnic societies, European Integration, Eastern Mediterranean affairs, political economy and higher education. He has, among other things, also done pioneering work on the economic aspects of the day-after a solution to the Cyprus problem. He has served on national and international committees dealing with political, economic and research issues. He visited several European, American and other universities and think-tanks as a Visiting Professor, Senior Fellow and/or Guest Speaker. These Institutions include the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Brookings Institution, the Woodrow Wilson International Center of Scholars, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the Center for European Integration Studies – University of Bonn, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Begin-Sadat Center on Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University and the University of Tokyo.

Professor Theophanous has published several books and numerous articles on economic and political issues;these include work on the Cyprus problem, Cyprus-EU relations, EU-Turkish relations, the Eastern Mediterranean, issues of political economy and higher education. He has also organized and participated in international symposia, conferences, seminars and professional events, and has been responsible for developing and coordinating several research projects. He is also Editor of the Policy Paper Series of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs since 2010 and of the bimonthly electronic Newsletter, In Depth, since 2005.

CHRISTIANA EROTOKRITOU

  • Member of the Secretariat of the Youth Wing of the Democratic Party (NE.DI.K.) (2002–2004)

  • Member of the Executive Bureau of the Democratic Party (since 2004)

  • Member of the Secretariat of the Democratic Party (December 2013 – May 2016)

  • Press Spokesperson for DIKO (January 2014 – May 2016)

  • Deputy President of DIKO (since June 2018)

CONSTANTINOS LOIZOU

Constantinos Loizou – Founder and CEO of EMBIO Diagnostics since 2015, has led the company’s transformation into a high-impact innovator in diagnostics and environmental biosensing.

Under his leadership, EMBIO has attracted multimillion-dollar investments, secured recognition from global organizations such as Microsoft and the EBRD, and expanded its portfolio of patented technologies.

Frequently featured as an opinion leader in Cyprus’s top business media (FFWD, InBusiness, Goldnews), he continues to inspire business excellence and guide EMBIO’s mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions for global markets.

DESPINA PANAYIOTOU THEODOSIOU

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 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 spheres, combining commercial insight with a strong understanding of complex operational environments.

Despina is active 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 and 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 SA & 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 has served on the Board of Directors of Invest Cyprus from 2019 to 2021. From 2017 to 2022, she served as President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International), leading a network of over 50 national associations worldwide.

In 2024, Despina was the recipient of 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 maritime.

Despina 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 also 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, the Copenhagen Business School, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

DIMITRIOS MANTZOS

Dimitrios Mantzos is a Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Parliamentary Representative and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson of the Main Opposition Party, PASOK – Kinima Allagis.

He is a member of in the Standing Parliamentary Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs and a full member of the National Council for Foreign Affairs.

Since 2023, he is a member of the Greek Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he serves as Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings.

D. Mantzos is a lawyer at the Supreme Court, member of the Athens Bar Association and accredited mediator.

DIMITRIS STERGIOU

Dimitris Papastergiou was born in 1973 in Trikala.

He graduated from the Polycladic Lyceum of Trikala and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of NTUA (National Technical University of Athens). At the same time, he attended journalism courses, while he maintains strong ties with technology and the internet, a relationship that was strengthened at the Multimedia Laboratory of NTUA.

In 2001 he built and presented, together with a group of his colleagues, the first integrated website for the Prefecture of Trikala, 3kala.gr.

Since 2002 he has been practicing the profession of Electrical and Computer Engineer in the city of Trikala. He was involved in studies and construction of private electromechanical projects and the creation of software programs. In 2007 he entered the field of renewable energy and has constructed more than 300 private renewable energy projects.

His involvement in the community began in 2002, with his election to the City Council. He was re-elected in 2006, and in 2014 he was elected Mayor of Trikkaion and member of the Board of Directors of KEDE. He was re-elected Mayor in 2019 and, in the same year, he was elected President of the KEDE.

He is married to the engineer Soula Brakis and is the happy father of Faye, Kostas and Nikos.

From June 2023, he is Minister of Digital Governance in the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

DR. ELENA LAZAROU

Dr. Elena Lazarou is the Director General at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Greece.

She previously headed the External Policies Unit of the European Parliament’s in house think tank; the Center for International Relations of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), Brazil; and the Euro-Mediterranean Observatory of the Hellenic Center for European Studies, Athens.

From 2010-2015 she was Assistant Professor of International Relations and European Studies at FGV.

She received a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge in 2008 and subsequently held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Cambridge, the University of Sheffield and the London School of Economics (LSE), as well as various visiting positions in think tanks and universities in Europe and the United States.

She has published edited volumes, articles and policy briefs in English, Portuguese and Greek on EU foreign, security and defence policy; transatlantic relations and on the future of multilateralism.

Dr. Lazarou is an Associate Fellow with the US and Americas Programme at Chatham House and an International Invited Professor at FGV’s Centre of Excellence on EU-South America Global Governance.

DR. NICODEMOS DAMIANOU

Dr. Nicodemos Damianou holds a Sc.B Degree in Computer Science from Brown University USA, a Ph.D in Computer Security & Policy-based Management of enterprise-wide Computer Networks from Imperial College UK, a Diploma of Information Security from Imperial College, and an MBA from the University of Cyprus.

He is an IT and Information Security professional with many years of experience in Payment Systems and Fintech, Risk Management Methodologies and Digital Transformation Technologies.

He served at managerial positions within the Bank of Cyprus Group. From November 2017 to January 2024 he was the General Manager of JCC Payment Systems Ltd.

EVANGELOS (ANGELOS) SYRIGOS

Angelos Syrigos was born in 1966. He is a Member of Parliament for Athens A and a Professor of International Law and Foreign Policy at Panteion University.

He graduated from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a PhD in Law from the University of Bristol.

He has served as Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Secretary General for Population and Social Cohesion at the Ministry of the Interior, and Special Secretary for Intercultural Education at the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs.

He has published eight books and numerous scientific articles on Greek-Turkish relations, maritime law, the Cyprus issue, the Balkans, minorities, immigration, the Asia Minor Catastrophe, and the Metapolitefsi.

He is married to Irini Stamatoudi, a Professor of Law at the University of Nicosia, and they have three children.

GEORGIOS BOUSTRAS

George is a Professor in Risk Assessment at European University Cyprus, Director of the Centre of Risk and Decision Sciences (CERIDES – Excellence in Innovation and Technology) and Visiting Researcher at the National Observatory of Athens.

He is a Member of the EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change.

He is a Special Advisor in Civil Protection and Crisis Management to HE the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides.

He is Scientific Director of Civil Protection Programs, reporting to the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

GIORGOS KENTAS

Giorgos Kentas is Associate Professor in Politics and Governance at the University of Nicosia, Director of the Master in Public Administration.

His research and publications on international relations, governance, strategic management, and total quality management, particularly in the public sector, reflect his ability to bridge theory with practice in improving organizational performance.

HARRIS GEORGIADES

Harris Georgiades is Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Chairman of the Clerides Institute and a former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus.

He holds a BA and an MA in International Relations and Economics from the University of Reading, UK. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011.

He took over as Minister of Finance at the height of a severe financial crisis and restored the Cyprus economy, placing it on a path of solid economic growth, surplus budgets, rating upgrades and banking sector restructuring. Between 2020-23 he served as Deputy Leader of the Democratic Rally.

He is the author of two books and has appeared extensively in local and international media.

HARRY THEOHARIS

Harry Theoharis was born on August 6, 1970, in Athens, Greece, where he was also raised.

He holds an MEng degree in Software Technology from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London.

He served as Minister of Tourism (2019–2021), where he successfully managed the restart of Greek tourism after the pandemic.

From June 2023 to June 2024, he served as Deputy Minister of Finance for Taxation, implementing reforms that enhanced transparency, fairness, and tax compliance.

In the fall of 2024, by decision of the Prime Minister, he ran for the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), conducting a successful and internationally recognized campaign.

Since June 30, 2025, he has served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for economic diplomacy and promoting the country’s international outreach.

IRENE PIKI

Irene Piki is the Deputy Minister to the President since 1st March 2023. She studied Economics in the UK, (BSc Regional Science – Economics and Human Geography) at the University of Reading, followed by an MSc on Environmental and Natural Resources Economics at University College London (UCL). 

She was employed in the public service of the Republic of Cyprus as a career technocrat from 1997 to 2023, at various posts with a wide range portfolio, which includes issues relating to the economy, environment, regional policy, reforms and investments, as well as European issues. 

In September 2019 she took over as Head of the Strategy, Coordination and Communication Directorate at the Ministry of Finance. In March 2021 she was promoted to Director of Finance and in October 2022 she became the Director of Economic Policy and European Affairs. 

She has served as member of the Board of Directors of Invest Cyprus (CIPA), the Research and Innovation Foundation, the Cyprus Organization for Standardization, as well as the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council. She has also represented Cyprus in various EU Committees relating to economic and cohesion policy issues.

NICOLAS KYRIAKIDES

Nicolas Kyriakides is a lawyer and academic. He is also interested in policy-making. He is a graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, he holds postgraduate degrees from UCL and NYU and a PhD (DPhil) from the University of Oxford. He has also been a visiting researcher at Harvard University. He teaches at the University of Nicosia and has contributed to a number of high level innovative legal research initiatives and papers in the course of both his commercial practice and his academic life, such as the Procedural Law Unit at the University of Nicosia. He is also a founding member of the non-profit organisation Oxygono.

PAVLOS EFTHYMIOU

Pavlos is a consultant-turned entrepreneur specializing in growth and business development.

He is the Director of the Hellenic Entrepreneurs Association and an Executive Advisor to Athens Medical Group. An equity partner in firms like Intellectica, Celyphos, Negotiade, Apifon and Fortune Greece.

He also serves on various boards across sectors, from Real Estate to Robotics.

He studied politics and economics at the Universities of Bath and Cambridge in the UK, and he returned to Greece after 11 years working in London and Brussels.

PHILOKYPROS ROUSSOUNIDES

Philokypros Roussounides is a senior executive and strategic leader with over two decades of experience across aviation, healthcare, and tourism, with a proven track record in steering complex organizations and advancing economic development. He currently serves as Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), where he oversees the Chamber’s strategic agenda and represents the Cypriot business community in national and international economic forums.

Mr. Roussounides holds an MBA in International Business from London South Bank University (UK) and has held several high-impact leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at DHI Global Medical Group, Senior Vice President at COBALT AIR, and General Manager positions at Dubai ETA Group and Cyprus Airways.

From 2020 to 2025, he served as Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association, where he was instrumental in shaping tourism strategy, engaging with government bodies, and driving sector-wide policy reforms. His efforts significantly contributed to the resilience and modernization of Cyprus’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem during a period of global transition.

Mr. Roussounides brings deep expertise in tourism policy, regional development, European affairs, and public-private collaboration. He has been an active contributor to economic dialogue as a speaker, moderator, and published commentator. He is also a Member of the Advisory Board of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, supporting cross-border investment initiatives in hospitality and tourism, and a Member of the Parallel Parliament for Entrepreneurship, an advisory initiative by the Cypriot House of Representatives focused on fostering innovation and enterprise.

Through his leadership roles, Mr. Roussounides has consistently championed sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and a forward-looking vision for Cyprus’s position in the global economy.

TASOS ZACHOS

Tasos Zachos is the CEO/Editor in Chief of Fortune Greece and Managing Director of Forward Media.

He is a publisher and journalist specializing in economic and business issues, and in recent years, he has extensively analyzed the ecosystems of the digital economy, technology, and entrepreneurship in Greece and abroad, participating in major conferences.

Additionally, he is the host of the television show “Business Monitor” in collaboration with One Channel, as well as the vidcast series “Futurescapes” and “Workforce Talks.”

THEODOROS LOUKAIDIS

Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General, Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation.

Theodoros is the Director General of the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF), the national funding agency for research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus.

Prior to joining RIF in 2020, Theodoros held strategy and business development roles within large multi-national corporations, including CKHH and Colt. He has led the launch of new lines of business and has taken new services to the market.

Theodoros holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK, an MSc degree in Communications and Signal Processing from Imperial College, London and a BEng (Hons), First Class, in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UMIST, UK.