ABOUT
Cyprus Democracy Summit
The Cyprus Democracy Summit (CDS) stands as a vibrant and dynamic platform, dedicated to fostering open dialogue and engaging discussions that deeply explore pivotal issues impacting the quality of democracy.
At its core, CDS embodies a modern-day "agora", providing a space for reflection on the defining challenges of our time. Bringing together thought leaders, representatives from institutions, civil society actors, and research organizations, both locally and globally, CDS unites to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and disseminate scientific findings.
Democracy cannot be taken for granted; it relies on our continuous engagement. The CDS actively promotes and strengthens participatory and deliberative democracy. It nurtures active democratic participation while embracing the principles of inclusivity and collaboration.
Join the Cyprus Democracy Summit to:
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Gain insight into the key forces shaping the new direction of the world.
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Deepen your understanding of the rapidly changing political environment in Europe and internationally through data, discussions, and presentations from influential leaders.
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Acquire fresh perspectives and actionable insights from experts and decision-makers tackling pressing social issues.
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Explore new avenues for enhancing civic participation, openness, and integrity in public life.
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Unlock opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships.
WHY ATTEND
Democracy Delivers
2024 Thematic Areas
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Democracy and Reforms: Exploring the Need for Reform in Modern Democracies
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Navigating Democracy's Inner Threats: Responsibilities for Renewal and Regeneration
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The Super-Election Year 2024: Redefining Democracy Beyond Voting
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The Critical Role of Education in Fostering Democratic Citizenship
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Strengthening Democracy Through Art and Creative Expression
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AI's Impact on Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities
08:30 – 9:00 - Registration
09:00 – 9:30 - Official Opening
Welcoming Remarks by the Organizers
Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives (virtual)
Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus
09:30 – 09:40 - Keynote Speech: “Democracy and Reforms”
Anna Diamantopoulou, President, “To Diktio” - Network for Reform in Greece and Europe, Former Minister, and EU Commissioner
09:40 – 10:00 - Conversation: “Without reform, modern democracies fail to deliver: What is the way forward?”
Anna Diamantopoulou, President, “To Diktio” - Network for Reform in Greece and Europe, Former Minister, and EU Commissioner
Haridimos Tsoukas, Professor of Strategic Management, University of Cyprus
10:00 – 10:10 - Keynote Speech: “Democracy's Inner Threats: Navigating Responsibility for Renewal and Regeneration”
Evarist Bartolo, Former Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Malta
10:10 – 10:40 - Discussion: “2024: The Super-Election Year and Democracy Beyond Voting”
Evarist Bartolo, Former Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Malta
Jonas Parello-Plesner, Executive Director at the Alliance of Democracies
Demetris Demetriou, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Institutions, Merit, and the Commissioner for Administration
Vasiliki Trigka, Associate Professor, Cyprus University of Technology
Moderator: Andia Mavromati, Member of the Board, Institute of Studies for Politics and Democracy
10:40 – 10:50 - Keynote Speech: “Arts and Democracy”
Erato Hadjisavva, Rector, School of Fine Arts, Greece
10:50 – 11:20 - Panel Discussion: “Arts and Democracy: Building a Stronger Democracy Through Art”
Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture, Republic of Cyprus
Erato Hadjisavva, Rector, School of Fine Arts, Greece
PASHIAS, Visual Artist
Nasia Dionysiou, Author
Nikoletta Polydorou, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Sistema Cyprus
Moderator: Apostolos Kouroupakis, Cultural Journalist, Kathimerini Cyprus
11:20 -11:50 - Coffee Βreak
Agenda
11:50 – 12:00 - Keynote Speech: “Education: Citizenship, Freedom and Democracy”
Liam Wegimont, Executive Director, Global Education Network Europe (GENE)
12:00 – 12:30 - Discussion: “Education and Democracy: The Vital Role of Education for Democratic Citizenship”
Athena Michaelidou, Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus
Liam Wegimont, Executive Director, Global Education Network Europe (GENE)
Petros Pashiardis, Professor of Educational Leadership, Rector, Open University of Cyprus
Paraskevas Hadjikkos, Law Student, Vice-President of the Group of Legal Education at the University of Cyprus
Moderator: Katerina Theodoridou, Director of R&D and Project Management, Center for Social Innovation
12:30 – 12:40 - “How is the EU supporting open, democratic, equal, and inclusive societies based on the rule of law?”
Pantelia Vyrides, Organisation of European Programmes and Cultural Relations
12:40 – 13.20 - AI and Democracy
Bright Idea:
The “Orbis” Project: “Orbis” will shape and support new democratic models that are imagined and developed through deliberative democracy processes that are digitally mediated.
Discussion:
Sotiris Themistokleous, Director of Strategic Development, Center for Social Innovation
Jahna Otterbacher, Associate Professor, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus & CYENS CoE
Nicolas Kyriakides, Member of the Executive Committee, Oxygen for Democracy
John Georgoulas, Non-Executive Director, ECOMMBX
Theodore Panayotou, Rector, University of Limassol
Moderator: Elena Georgiou Strouthos, Co-Founder & CTO, Cocoon Creations
13.30 - Closing
Afternoon Session (by invitation only)
18:30 – 20:00 - Philosophy Walk: The ideal “polis”
20:00 - “In vino veritas” - Open discussion with participants over dinner
OUR SPEAKERS
COLLABORATION
Our Partners