EU FUNDED

Cyprus Forum: Brussels is an international dialogue platform that takes place in Brussels, offering young people the opportunity to contribute to discussions on the future of the European Union and Cyprus' upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event brings together youth delegates, policymakers, academics, and EU officials to reflect on key challenges and priorities at the European level through the lens of youth participation.

The forum focuses on topics such as Cyprus’ role in the EU, intergenerational dialogue, the green and digital transitions, and democratic participation across member states. Through panel conversations, policy labs, and interactive exchanges, young participants share ideas and expectations about Cyprus' European agenda, while also learning from institutional representatives and policy practitioners.

Cyprus Forum: Brussels contributes to a more inclusive European discourse, ensuring that young people are not only heard but are actively involved in shaping the future of the Union. It fosters connections between Cypriot and European stakeholders, strengthening both the visibility and the relevance of youth perspectives in EU policymaking.

Cyprus Forum 2025: Youth Voices in Policy and Peacebuilding is a two-day conference that takes place in Nicosia, aiming to elevate the role of young people in public discourse, policymaking, and efforts toward sustainable peace. With the participation of high-profile speakers from Cyprus, Europe, and beyond, the event serves as a vibrant platform for dialogue between youth, institutional leaders, civil society, and international experts.

The forum focuses on key themes such as youth participation in democratic processes, conflict resolution, trust-building between communities, and inclusive governance. Through panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, young people have the space to express their views, connect with decision-makers, and propose concrete policy recommendations that reflect their aspirations for a united and peaceful future.

Cyprus Forum 2025 highlights the importance of empowering the next generation of changemakers and promoting intercommunal understanding. By bridging voices across divides and fostering inclusive dialogue, the initiative contributes to a culture of democratic participation and peacebuilding that transcends borders and generations.

Cyprus Forum Cities 2025 is a policy-making conference held in Limassol, aiming to strengthen the involvement of young people in local governance and democratic processes. Organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Limassol, the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) and the Youth Board of Cyprus (ONEK), the event brought together local authorities, experts, academics, and active citizens to explore innovative ways of civic participation at the local level.

The conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue through panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. It focused on pressing issues such as youth engagement in municipal decision-making, participatory tools for urban policy, and the role of education and civic literacy in shaping more inclusive communities. Through these activities, young people had the opportunity to express their views, share proposals, and connect with decision-makers.

Cyprus Forum Cities 2025 contributes to building a culture of participation and transparency in local governance, where young citizens are not only consulted but actively involved in shaping the future of their cities. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that sustainable democracy begins at the local level—with informed, empowered, and engaged citizens.

The TransparenCY project is a bicommunal initiative designed to strengthen democratic governance in Cyprus by promoting transparency, accountability, and civic participation in the legislative process. Led by the Global Policies Centre (GLOPOL) and Oxygen for Democracy, and supported by the European Union under the PLACE in Cyprus Small Grants Programme, the project brings together actors from across the island to improve how laws are shaped and communicated to the public.

TransparenCY focuses on enhancing openness in policymaking through advocacy efforts, evidence-based research, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. By empowering civil society and encouraging public scrutiny, the project contributes to building trust in institutions and ensuring that legislative processes are more accessible and reflective of citizens’ concerns.

Through its activities, the initiative fosters dialogue between civil society, journalists, academics, and policymakers, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices for legislative transparency. It aims to create long-term impact by promoting a more open, inclusive, and participatory democratic culture in Cyprus.

The purpose of the program "Cyprus Forum 2024 - Policymaking Redefined" is to organize a political conference that aims to highlight significant political issues, with the participation of politicians, technocrats, academics, and other specialists from various fields.

The conference will serve as a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, seeking to bring together different perspectives and approaches to challenges facing Cyprus and Europe. Through speeches, panels, and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to delve into critical topics such as social justice, economic development, education, healthcare, and climate change.

The participation of politicians and experts from various sectors will allow for the development of innovative solutions and policy proposals that address societal needs. The conference will also provide a unique networking opportunity for attendees, encouraging them to collaborate and create strategic alliances to promote common goals.

Additionally, the program includes educational activities designed to empower participants' skills in policy production. Workshops will be offered to develop skills such as public speaking, public discourse management, and participation in decision-making processes.

Through the organization of the conference, "Cyprus Forum 2024" also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of political participation and the democratic process. Awareness-raising activities, such as events and informational campaigns, will be combined with the conference to mobilize and encourage citizens' participation in decision-making that affects them.

The program is funded by the European Union, supporting efforts to create a more democratic and participatory political environment in Cyprus.

The purpose of the program "PoliCY Talks - Promoting Democratic Values through Podcasting" is to create and produce podcast episodes aimed at informing citizens, with a particular emphasis on young people, about important political and social issues.

The program aims to promote democratic values and political participation through the innovative use of podcasting as a communication tool. Through a series of thematic episodes, participants will have the opportunity to listen to and engage in discussions concerning critical issues such as human rights, equality, transparency in governance, and citizen participation in political processes.

The episodes will include interviews with politicians, academics, and representatives of civil society, who will share their knowledge and experiences regarding the challenges facing democracy today. Through these conversations, listeners will be encouraged to think critically, engage actively, and take action to improve their societies.

"PoliCY Talks" also aims to raise awareness among young people about the importance of political participation and being informed, highlighting the role that everyone can play in promoting democratic values. Through the podcasts, young individuals will have the chance to express their own opinions and proposals, actively participating in public discourse.

The program is funded by the European Solidarity Corps, which supports initiatives that promote social inclusion, active participation of young people, and the empowerment of civil society in Europe.

The purpose of the program "You(th) in Local Governance" is to implement and strengthen the institution of youth municipal councils in Cyprus. This initiative aims to create a stable framework that allows young people to actively participate in the decision-making process at the local level, thus enhancing their voice and influence on issues that concern them.

The establishment of youth municipal councils will provide young people with the opportunity to express their views and participate in public discussions regarding local governance, social services, and youth issues. Through this institution, young people will be able to propose policies, engage in initiatives, and take action that promotes their participation in the local community.

The program will include educational workshops, seminars, and consultations with young people to inform them about decision-making processes and the functioning of municipal councils. Additionally, initiatives will be promoted to strengthen cooperation between youth and local authorities, ensuring that their needs and suggestions are taken into account in the political agenda of their area.

Part of the program will also involve the development of tools and resources that will support the operation of youth municipal councils, such as guidelines for their functioning and methods of participation. Young people will be trained to become effective representatives of their peers and will be encouraged to engage in cross-border and international collaborations, thereby broadening their perspective on democracy and participation.

The program is funded by the European Union, as part of its efforts to enhance youth participation in local governance and promote social cohesion and active citizenship in Cyprus.

The purpose of the programme "Actions for the European Elections 2024 - Discussions on Democracy at the Cyprus Forum Cities" is to promote European ideas and highlight the importance of citizen participation in the electoral processes of the EU. Through this programme, relevant discussions will be held with politicians, technocrats, and academics, along with promotion on social media, the publication of a magazine, and other activities.

The programme aims to enhance European awareness and encourage active citizen participation in the upcoming European electoral processes, which are crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. It focuses on the significance of the 2024 European Parliament elections by providing a platform for informing citizens and encouraging them to engage actively, both in the elections and in the public discourse about the future of Europe.

As part of the programme, open discussions and forums will take place during the Cyprus Forum Cities conference, featuring the participation of politicians, technocrats, academics, and representatives from civil society. The discussions will cover a wide range of topics such as democracy, citizens' rights, EU governance, and the challenges facing Europe today, including climate change, migration, and technological innovation.

In addition to live discussions, the programme will emphasize public engagement and awareness through social media. The aim is to disseminate information about the importance of voting in the European elections and to promote the values of the European Union, such as democracy, solidarity, and the protection of human rights. The use of social media will facilitate interactive participation and reach younger demographics that are often disengaged from traditional electoral processes. Furthermore, the programme includes the publication of a special magazine that will compile articles and analyses from leading academics and experts on EU-related topics. This magazine will serve as an educational tool, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the electoral processes in Europe and their influence on policy-making at the EU level. The magazine will be distributed in both print and digital formats, aiming to raise public awareness and enhance the public discourse surrounding the European elections.

The programme is funded by the European Union and is part of broader efforts to strengthen democracy in Europe by promoting increased citizen participation, particularly among young people, in electoral processes.

The purpose of the "Participatory Tools for the Rule of Law in Cyprus" program is to enhance democratic participation through the promotion and implementation of legislative provisions that enable the meaningful involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), as well as the wider public, in decision-making processes. The program aims to strengthen participatory democracy by providing platforms and tools that allow for the monitoring of the work of the House of Representatives, as well as the ability for citizens and organized groups to create and publish proposals, with the option for individuals to co-sign them. This initiative seeks to establish a transparent and participatory framework to improve governance and the legislative process in Cyprus.

The programme promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of Parliament, providing the opportunity for citizens and CSOs to actively participate in overseeing parliamentary activities and formulating policy proposals. Citizens will be able to follow legislative initiatives, stay informed about discussions and decisions, and participate in public consultations by submitting comments, proposals, and requests to lawmakers.

The project "Participatory Tools for the Rule of Law in Cyprus" is implemented within the framework of the BUILD program, with Oxygen for Democracy as the implementing organization. The "Building a robust and democratic civic space" (BUILD) program aims to protect, promote, and widely recognize the fundamental rights and values of the EU by supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Greece and Cyprus and enhancing their capacity and sustainability. BUILD is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program, the Bodossaki Foundation, and the Cyprus NGO Support Centre, with a total grant amount of €2.9 million. The Bodossaki Foundation (Greece) coordinates the BUILD program in partnership with the Cyprus NGO Support Centre.

The purpose of the "metaCCAZE" programme (Flexibly adapted MetaInnovations, use cases, collaborative business and governance models to accelerate deployment of smart and shared Zero Emission mobility for passengers and freight) is to implement a series of measures and actions aimed at improving traffic congestion and reducing the use of private vehicles.

The actions include the development of innovative solutions to enhance public transportation, the creation of infrastructure to promote electric mobility, the promotion of shared transport (car-sharing), and the encouragement of using soft modes of transport, such as cycling and walking. An important part of the programme is also raising public awareness about the importance of reducing emissions and traffic congestion through information and educational initiatives.

The project partnership consists of 43 partners from across Europe, including universities, technology companies, local authorities, and public and private sector organisations, all working together to develop and implement these solutions.

The programme is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, under the Climate, Energy, and Mobility pillar. Horizon Europe is the largest European funding programme for research and innovation, supporting initiatives that address the challenges of climate change and the transition to a green and digital economy. Through this funding, the "metaCCAZE" programme aims to accelerate the development of smart, sustainable, and zero-emission solutions for both passenger and freight transport, with the goal of creating a more sustainable urban environment.