In today's ever-changing world, few constants remain strong and influential. Among these is the concept of diaspora, its role, and its significance. Diasporas, including but not limited to the Cypriot diaspora, continue to serve as both a propelling force in the countries they reside in and a binding agent connecting the 'motherland' with new homelands where people explore, live, and prosper.

Paul Lambis, a part of the Cypriot diaspora and born in Johannesburg, South Africa, has made significant strides in the arts and beyond. He founded the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, aiming to bring together diverse individuals with varying journeys, lessons, and ideas, but sharing a common origin: Cyprus. Reflecting on the recent Forum event held a few weeks ago, Paul Lambis reveals the concept behind it and explains why entrepreneurship and investments were central themes of this year's gathering.

As a former member of Cyprus' vast diaspora family, born in South Africa in the 1970s and relocating to Cyprus in the early 2000s, I have always recognised the vital role that Cypriots of the diaspora play in branding our island to the rest of the world.

As ‘brand ambassadors’, our expatriates have not only promoted Cyprus as a tourist destination; they have also contributed to our country's economic and cultural life for many decades, enriching the societies in which they live and work.

Through my television and web series 'Culturescope', as well as my work as a contributing writer to various publications, I have the luxury of interviewing members of our extended Cypriot family from a broad range of sectors and industries.

Cyprus, as a country, has evolved into a dynamic business centre, offering numerous investment and employment opportunities to both locals and foreigners. While the Cyprus government continues to nurture the island’s potential, it is essential to use the Cypriot diaspora, their networks of high-net-worth individuals, wealth and investment managers, financial advisors, and so on, to communicate the benefits Cyprus offers as an investment destination – not just a sun and sea resort.

As a result, I decided to establish an annual event to recognise Cyprus' pioneering individuals abroad, as well as their influence among their own networks, and invite them to an event that will not only showcase them as the island's international pioneers, but also help strengthen the important work the public and private sectors are doing to further strengthen Cyprus' importance as a regional business hub.

The communal ties that Cyprus' diaspora maintain with their ancestral homeland play a significant role in forging local-global relationships and building societies. The forum explored ways at how Cyprus could assist diaspora entrepreneurs and local organisations that serve as entrepreneurship hubs by providing them with the tools and information they need to succeed. Attendees over the four days were both motivated and empowered to think boldly, move confidently, while harnessing sage business advice and insight from global entrepreneurs, educators, and academics.

Another aspect of the forum highlighted the importance of Cyprus as an established and growing tech hub in the European Union and a promising location for setting up headquarters, bringing together many flagship international tech companies, reinforcing the island's ability to offer every resource needed for establishing one's headquarters, launching a regional office such as back offices or development centres, expanding one's business, or establishing an innovative startup.

Analysts and industry professionals addressed upcoming market trends, technological advancements, the island’s hospitality, tourism, and health sectors, the real estate, financial, legal, energy, shipping, and business landscapes, as well as international relations, education, sports, culture, arts, film, media, social and philanthropy.

It is difficult for me to pinpoint a particular topic that I enjoy because I believe they are all inextricably linked and play a vital role in Cyprus' economic portfolio. I was present at all the panel discussions, and it was interesting to listen to attendees' feedback and what resonated with them the most, reinforcing the idea that all of Cyprus' growth sectors are significant regardless of whether some contribute less than others to the country's GDP.

Since the forum's conclusion, we have received countless emails and messages reflecting on the profound impact that the Cyprus Diaspora Forum had on all who either sponsored, attended, moderated, or participated in panel discussions. Based to the response, the event successfully bridged the gap between the local and global Cypriot communities, regardless of age, gender, or political views.

The event brought together people who believe in Cyprus' business potential and goal to provide opportunities for the next generation.  What appealed to me the most here was the response from the younger generation, both local and international, who have a strong connection to Cyprus but have found new inspiration in the works and activities of the many pioneering speakers of the diaspora, something that cannot be taught in any educational institution. Coming face to face with these people provides a unique opportunity to be inspired and motivated to act and achieve their fullest potential.

I believe Tasoula Hadjitofi, the 'Icon Hunter,' effectively addressed this in her acceptance speech after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CYDIA 2024, the awards ceremony recognising Cypriots of the diaspora, which was held on the last night of the forum at a formal gala dinner.

Tasoula Haditofi called on everyone to realise and harness the immense power of the Diaspora, both through Economic Diplomacy and Security Diplomacy, in order to re-define the Cypriot narrative and directly link it with current international and European hot issues.

Cypriots of the diaspora are important agents of economic and social development and should not be looked at as a ‘model minority’. They play a key role in Cyprus’ overall economic growth while adding value to the countries and societies where they are settled across a broad range of industries and sectors. 

Cypriots in the diaspora remain rooted in their motherland, and we can use their connections/networks through various channels to enhance Cyprus' awareness and positive reputation abroad, as well as its diverse range of investment opportunities and favourable incentives, while they continue to effectively shape our island internationally and act as bridge-builders between their home and adopted countries.

What: Cyprus Diaspora Forum

More Info: cyprusdiasporaforum.com

Who: Media personality Paul Lambis is an award-winning screenwriter, author, playwright and director, born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Educated at the Johannesburg Art Foundation, he is based in Cyprus and is the Founder and CEO of Silver Thespian, an independent theatre and film production holding company. As an established and award-winning playwright in Cyprus, Lambis has written, produced and directed theatrical productions such as 74 and Melina: The Last Greek Goddess to widespread critical acclaim. In 2016, Lambis received the “Best International Screenplay” award from the Screenwriter’s Guild of Greece for his full-length feature 74 – based on his original theatrical production of the same title. In 2018, his theatrical production Melina: The Last Greek Goddess received first prize at the United Solo Theatre Festival in New York and was awarded the “Best International Show” on Broadway.  In 2019, his multiple award-winning screenplay 74 received first place for "Best Screenplay" at the 14th International Cyprus Film Festival. The screenplay is currently in development and planned to be filmed on location in Cyprus. Paul Lambis is also the host of Culturescope - a lifestyle and entertainment web show, featured on multiple television networks and online platforms reaching the Hellenic Diaspora across the globe. He is also the founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum and the CYDIA Awards, an annual event that honours Cypriots from around the world.