President Nikos Christodoulides convened the inaugural session of the MITIS Council of Scientists, emphasizing that integrating scientific thinking into state policy is a strategic necessity. The newly formed think tank will focus on long-term national resilience amid rising regional and climate challenges.

Scientific Strategy as a National Necessity

President Nikos Christodoulides held Monday a first meeting with the members of the MITIS Council of Scientists, the new Government think tank, pointing out that integrating scientific thinking into policy-making is a necessity.

The President, according to a written statement by Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Pikis, told the members that Cyprus has to manage a series of challenges, in a period in which geopolitical pressures in the wider region. He referred to the impacts of climate change on water and energy; he spoke about digital transformation and AI. He went on to say that integrating scientific thinking into policy-making is not simply a choice, but a strategic necessity and this necessity led to the establishment of MITIS.

Introducing a New Institutional Tool

Pikis in her written statement noted that today's opening session marks the launching of a new institutional tool, through which the Government seeks to utilize the knowledge and experience of distinguished scientists, academics and personalities of international prestige, in areas of critical importance for Cyprus' resilience.

MITIS was founded following a decision by the Cabinet. Its members are Marina Theodotou, Max Nikias, Theodoros Evgeniou, Panagiota Kendeou, Loizos Loizos, George Boustras, Andreas Theofanous, Dragan Savic, Charalambos Constantinou and Achilleas Emilianides, who participates as an ex officio member in his capacity as President of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

Strategic Foresight and Government Support

Pikis said that the of the members of the Council will focus on critical issues that directly affect the present and future of the country, such as climate change, water, energy, institutions, defense, digital transition, education, health, natural disasters and the economy.

Its mission is to produce scientific knowledge and evidence-based policy proposals within the framework of strategic foresight, a modern international practice that allows governments to detect trends, risks and opportunities in a timely manner, to plan for the future and to respond effectively in an environment of increasing uncertainty.

The Strategic Analysis and Forecasting Unit, which has been established in the Secretariat for Coordination and Support of Government Work at the Presidency, under the political supervision of the Deputy Minister to the President, has undertaken the administrative support of MITIS. The first session of the Council concluded with an exchange of views on the priorities and the first thematic areas of work, with the aim of producing specific recommendations that will contribute to the modernization of governance and the strengthening of the resilience of the country.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)