Cyprus Forum emphasises importance of strong institutions and peace

Strong institutions, justice, and peace are non-negotiable, participants at the 5th Cyprus Forum said on the opening day of the event.

At the opening ceremony, Executive President of the Cyprus Forum, Nicolas Kyriakides, said the conference has become an institution for public discussion, dialogue, and exchange of ideas aimed at progress and prosperity.

He noted it creates fertile ground for addressing the challenges of our time, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable development, peace, and social justice.

Kyriakides highlighted that in a world facing geopolitical tensions, social inequalities, and escalating uncertainty, the need for strong, fair, and transparent institutions has never been more urgent. He emphasised these institutions form the foundation upon which societies promoting peace and prosperity for all can be built.

The chairman also focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16, which he said “calls on us to strengthen our structures, ensure equal access to justice, and work towards more peaceful societies”.

Kyriakides described the Cyprus Forum as an independent and safe space for dialogue and cooperation, dedicated to addressing these issues, among others. He added that through collaboration and collective action, “we can build a better world for the citizens of the island and the wider region”.

“Injustice and war cannot be accepted, and their opposites – strong institutions, justice, and peace – are non-negotiable. We must not tolerate any more ‘yes, but’. We cannot prosper with either corruption or war”, he concluded.

Yannis Thomatos, co-founder and vice-president of the Delphi Economic Forum, said the Cyprus Forum is an event that enhances its impact every year, evident from the participating speakers.

Thomatos noted that this year’s Cyprus Forum is taking place at two historically significant junctures: the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation, and 20 years since Cyprus’s equal accession to the European Union, which he described as “a diplomatic success that remains a lasting and living legacy for a better and more prosperous future”.

Dr Sofronis Clerides, Professor of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at the University of Cyprus, stated that dialogue and forums have a transformative power.

He expressed his pleasure at the University of Cyprus’s participation in the Cyprus Forum, noting that it is characteristic of universities to seek the development of critical thinking and to function as “bees”, stimulating and awakening society.

The Cyprus Forum is being held on 3-4 October in Nicosia.

Source: Cyprus Forum emphasises importance of strong institutions and peace | in-cyprus.com (philenews.com)