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The 11th World Conference of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) and the Central Council meeting of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) was held from July 30th until August 2nd in Nicosia. Members of the Executive Committee of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK represented the UK Cypriot diaspora in the Central Council.
Opening Ceremony
President Nikos Christodoulides officially opened the 2024 POMAK/PSEKA Central Council Meeting and NEPOMAK World Conference in Nicosia. He highlighted that this year, the Conference takes place shortly after the 50th tragic anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus.
The President said that the occupation is “not sustainable” with the illegal regime carrying out new provocations on an “almost daily basis.” For this reason, he added, “the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our country should be our basic priority.”
At last year’s conference, President Christodoulides vowed to take all efforts to resume the UN-led talks for a solution to the Cyprus issue. He stated that “one year after, I have done exactly that and will continue to do so until reunification.”
The President went on to say that his determination resulted in the appointment of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus. He added that “we supported the appointment and we continue to support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General despite difficulties, challenges and problems without underestimating Turkey’s targets and pursuits.”
He also stressed the importance of strengthening Cyprus’ international profile and relations with other countries in these efforts. As an example, the President mentioned the launch of the Amalthea Initiative, which established a maritime corridor for international humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Guests and delegates were also welcomed by the Presidents of POMAK, PSEKA and NEPOMAK. POMAK President Andreas Papaevripides declared that “no one forgets and nothing is forgotten” to Cypriots and that everyone should have hope in the recent “relative movement” towards the resumption of negotiations. PSEKA President Philip Christopher reflected on the diaspora’s efforts over the last 50 years, claiming that “it is time for us to bring the Cyprus issue back to being one of illegal invasion and occupation.” NEPOMAK President Christos Tuton spoke about his upbringing in Britain, where Cypriots of all communities live and work together, as proof of a future reunified Cyprus.
House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Kotsiras and H.B. Archbishop of Cyprus George also addressed the opening ceremony. These speeches followed a rich artistic programme curated by Cypriot artist and activist Alexia Vassiliou, including the screening of the short film “Rite of Passage” set in the occupied town of Famagusta.
Ministerial Briefings
In a closed session with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Costantinos Kombos, delegates were briefed on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue and wider foreign policy objectives. The Foreign Minister also updated delegates on the activities of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín. He added that the Cypriot Government has communicated its readiness for the resumption of talks for a solution to the Cyprus issue within this UN-led process and framework.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, briefed delegates on defence policy and issues in a closed session. Delegates heard about the latest programmes and actions within the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard.
Delegates also received briefings on developments in the Cypriot education system and broader actions for the island’s youth. The Minister for Education, Dr Athena Michaelidou, gave an update on the Ministry’s efforts to upgrade the current school curriculum, as well as the implementation of frameworks to best support students as early as possible in their education.
Deputy Executive Director of the Youth Board of Cyprus Maria Miltiadou then spoke about the development of initiatives and policies for young people during the National Year of Youth 2024 and also the recently launched croud-sourcing platform, EfkraCY.
Other Meetings
First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides highlighted the efforts of the Cyprus Children’s Relief Committee, which has been supporting children from enclaved, refugee and in need families since 1974. She outlined that, this year, €20,000 has been granted to 127 children. She also discussed her work with the Independent Social Support Agency, which provided scholarships to 800 students who were unable to continue their education this year, an increase from last year’s 300.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andreas Kakouris told delegates that they are a “vital, important component of our work and the diaspora are considered the best ambassadors of our country’s interests.” Mr Kakouris informed delegates that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing a new strategy to further this co-operation between Cyprus and its diaspora. This strategy will consider the challenges faced by the diaspora in their countries of residence, as well as those of the Republic of Cyprus as it works to achieve the reunification of Cyprus.
Head of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and the Enclaved, Anna Aristotelous, updated delegates about the new less formal and more approachable approach to gathering information on the missing persons in Cyprus. This approach, replacing questioning witness for statements, has led to significant results, with six identifications being made within one month since the change. Ms Aristotelous also emphasised the efforts to improve the living conditions of enclaved Cypriots by improving the quality and quantity of their foodstuffs and reducing the delay when crossing the Ayios Dometious Green Line.
The Ambassadors of Greece and the USA headed a roundtable discussion, taking questions from delegates. U.S.A. Ambassador Julie Fisher highlighted that America has a priority in supporting the current UN-led efforts to solve the Cyprus issue and also the 2024 strategic dialogue between the US and Cyprus, as examples of the two nation’s strong bilateral ties.
Briefing and Reception hosted at Presidential Palace
Delegates were hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace for a briefing and reception. The briefing was a closed session for the POMAK-PSEKA Central Council and the NEPOMAK Presidium by President Christodoulides. All delegates were then invited for the reception and a ceremony where leading diaspora Cypriots were awarded the Medal for Exceptional Contribution.
Federation Executive Committee member and Chair of the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green, Susie Constantinides, was awarded the Medal for Exceptional Contribution by President Christodoulides for her multi-decade and impactful contributions to the UK Cypriot diaspora and Cyprus. Diaspora Cypriots Peter Loucas, Dinos Sophocleous, Eleni Koumidou and Panayiotis Iphestos were also awarded the Medal.
11th NEPOMAK World Conference
NEPOMAK’s 11th World Conference took place alongside the POMAK-PSEKA Central Council meeting. Members from across the world, including NEPOMAK’s Executive Council and NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour (NCCT) participants, held workshops to discuss actions to promote the Cyprus issue after 50 years of illegal occupation and new initiatives to engage the global diaspora.
NEPOMAK delegates also joined the same programme of speakers as POMAK-PSEKA Central Council Members. Delegates were able to exchange views with ministers and officials both through Q&A segments as well as organised meetings/briefings.
Christos Tuton was re-elected President of NEPOMAK, alongside Yannis Christodoulides (Treasurer); Eva Ioannou (General Secretary); Christina Koufoupavlou (Organising Secretary).