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The 22nd Conference of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) – International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Executive Council meeting of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) was held from 26 to 29 August in Nicosia. The UK Cypriot diaspora was represented by delegates from the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and its member associations.
Delegates voted to elect Christos Karaolis as the new President of POMAK, alongside an officer team representing the global Cypriot diaspora. Mr Karaolis succeeds Andreas Papaevripides, who has served as the President of POMAK following his election in 2013. Philip Christopher was re-elected as President of PSEKA.
Opening Ceremony
President Nikos Christodoulides opened the 22nd World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. The President addressed delegates on the Government’s efforts to restart talks on the Cyprus issue and thanked the global diaspora, saying that “No amount of thanks can fully capture what you do daily, alongside your family and professional responsibilities.”
The President stressed the need for Cyprus to be strong internally so it can best achieve freedom and reunification. He said that, “To achieve our number one goal—the end of the occupation and the reunification of our homeland—we have a duty to strengthen all factors of our country’s power through actions, not just words.”
The President also spoke about the importance of building the island’s external presence and credibility. These include current Governmental initiatives such as the Cyprus Maritime Corridor and Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026.
Guests and delegates were welcomed by the Presidents of POMAK, PSEKA and NEPOMAK. House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Michail Loverdos and Archbishop of Cyprus George III also addressed the opening ceremony.
POMAK President Andreas Papaevripides said that it is always emotional seeing “people of all ages joining our historic campaign for the liberation and freedom of our homeland.” He continued that Cypriots will “never accept the consequences of the Turkish invasion” and that they “will never forget our duties” to end the occupation. In closing, he announced that he would be stepping down as POMAK President, saying the will “pass the baton to a younger colleague” but will continue to campaign until Cyprus is reunited.
PSEKA President Philip Christopher began by saying that the belief that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” has not been applied to Cyprus. He highlighted PSEKA’s efforts to bring the Cyprus issue to the political agenda, such as by securing U.S legislation for the missing persons. This campaign, he said, is led by the promises to our parents and missing relatives.
NEPOMAK President Christos Tuton said that Cyprus has been a stable and reliable democracy and economy, which will only achieve more when the illegal occupation ends. He highlighted NEPOMAK’s vision to connect young Cypriots to the island and the campaign for a free, united Cyprus. He also spoke about the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Cyprus, stressing the importance of tackling climate change.
Also in attendance at the Opening Ceremony were Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and Bambos Charalambous MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus.
Ministerial Briefings
Foreign Minister Costantinos Kombos addressed delegates in a closed briefing on the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue. He highlighted Cyprus’ positive efforts as a bridge and safe-harbour between Europe and the Middle East. Delegates were also updated on the Cyprus’ assumption of the presidency of the European Union on 1st January 2026.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou briefed delegates on Cyprus’ efforts to support Greek language teaching overseas in community language schools and online platforms. She also updated delegates about the Education Ministry’s role in providing education to the enclaved Greek Cypriots in the illegally occupied area of Cyprus.
Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister George Papanastasiou updated delegates on the novel approaches to the Cypriot electricity grid and new developments regarding the island’s liquified natural gas resources. This included the importance of natural gases in supporting the island’s energy transition to renewable sources.
Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki presented the ‘Minds in Cyprus’ brain gain initiative. She spoke about the initiative’s central aim of encouraging talented Cypriot professionals abroad to return and contribute to the country’s growth.
Deputy Europe Minister Marilena Raouna provided an update on Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. She said that Cyprus will be taking the opportunity of the Presidency to promote the geostrategic role of Cyprus as well as the Cyprus issue as a problem of invasion and occupation.
Meetings and Engagements
The Greek Cypriot Representative to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) of Cyprus, Leonidas Pantelides, and his team gave a briefing on the issue of the Missing Persons. The team presented maps and updates on the current excavation sites across the island and discussed how foreign governments can support the CMP efforts.
National Guard Chief Lt. Gen. Georgios Tsitsikostas gave an update on the island’s defence policy. He spoke about Cyprus’ efforts when collaborating with strategic partners, carrying out evacuations from areas of crisis and supporting the shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Penelope Erotokritou updated delegates on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue. She spoke about current efforts to protect the rights of refugees as legal property owners.
UK Member of Parliament Bambos Charalambous remarked on his entry into British politics, as well as his work in the House of Commons and with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus.
Delegates also attended the unveiling ceremony of the bust of diaspora business and US community leader Nikos Mouyiaris in Athienou. The ceremony was held under the auspices of the President Christodoulides, with Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou speaking on his behalf.
The Presidents of POMAK, PSEKA and NEPOMAK held a press conference on the final day to provide an update on the conference’s proceedings and elections to Cypriot national media outlets.
Reception at Residence of the British High Commissioner to Cyprus
British Deputy High Commissioner to Cyprus, Adam Sambrook, hosted UK diaspora delegates for a reception at the High Commissioner’s official residence. Mr Sambrook said to delegates that the UK “hugely values its relationship with Cyprus” and that these relations are based on both countries’ “enormous people-to-people links.”
UK delegates had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with the Deputy High Commissioner as well as diplomatic staff.
Briefing and Reception hosted at Presidential Palace
President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides hosted POMAK/PSEKA and NEPOMAK Central Council Members for a private briefing at the Presidential Palace. This was followed by a reception for all conference delegates at the Palace.
Federation Representatives and UK-Cypriots Kyriacos Akathiotis (President Action for Cyprus Midlands) and George Yiakoumi (founder of the Greek & Cypriot Midlands Estia) were among the 8 individuals that were awarded the Medal for Exceptional Contribution by the President. The medal is awarded to recipients for their longstanding contribution to society and Cyprus.
NEPOMAK Executive Council Meeting
NEPOMAK held their Executive Council Meeting alongside the World Conference of POMAK/PSEKA. Executive Council Members were joined by participants of the NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour (NCCT).
The Executive Meeting included a rich programme of workshops on the Cyprus issue and initiatives to engage the global diaspora. NEPOMAK delegates also joined the POMAK-PSEKA ministerial briefings, having the opportunity to discuss and exchange views with Cypriot ministers and officials.