Peace and Democracy Award
Peace and Democracy Award
Peace and Democracy Award 2026
The Peace and Democracy Award is an annual initiative established to posthumously honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of peace, democracy, and reconciliation in Cyprus.
Presented each year the award reflects our ongoing commitment to recognising and preserving the legacies of those who have dedicated their lives to fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, equality, and a more peaceful and democratic Cyprus.
Award Ceremony 2026
The recipients of the 2026 Peace and Democracy Award were announced during the first day of Cyprus Forum 2026, held on 29 September 2026 at The Landmark Nicosia.
This year's award honoured George Vassiliou, former President of the Republic of Cyprus, recognising his lifelong contributions to peace, democracy, and reconciliation in Cyprus.
The ceremony also marked the presentation of a special, one-time Human Rights Life Award, honouring Costas Gavrielides for his contribution to the advancement of human rights, equality, and inclusion in Cyprus.
George Vassiliou
Former President of the Republic of Cyprus
George Vassiliou served as President of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993, dedicating his political career to reconciliation, democratic reform, and European integration.
During his presidency, he revived negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, contributing to the diplomatic efforts that led to the Ghali Set of Ideas and UN Security Council Resolution 789. His administration also oversaw significant economic reforms and the establishment of the University of Cyprus.
Later, as Cyprus's chief negotiator for accession to the European Union, he played a decisive role in advancing the country's European integration. Throughout his life, he remained committed to a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus problem, advocating dialogue, compromise, and a shared future for all Cypriots.
His legacy reflects a lifelong belief in peaceful coexistence, democratic progress, and a united Cyprus within Europe.
Special Human Rights Life Award 2026
Costas Gavrielides
Ακτιβιστής για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και
Co-founder of Accept – LGBTI Cyprus
The Human Rights Life Award was presented as a special, one-time distinction in memory of Costas Gavrielides, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 48, recognising his contribution to the advancement of human rights, equality, and social inclusion in Cyprus.
A pioneering advocate for LGBTI rights, Gavrielides was a co-founder and the first president of Accept – LGBTI Cyprus. In 2014, he organised the first Cyprus Pride, a milestone in the visibility and recognition of the LGBTI community.
A pioneering advocate for LGBTI rights, Gavrielides was a co-founder and the first president of Accept – LGBTI Cyprus. In 2014, he organised the first Cyprus Pride, a milestone in the visibility and recognition of the LGBTI community.
Throughout his life, he worked to challenge discrimination, promote equal rights, and foster a society built on dignity and respect for all. His legacy remains closely connected to the progress of LGBTI rights and the broader pursuit of a more inclusive and democratic Cyprus.
The winners of the award for the second year were announced on the second day of Cyprus Forum 2026, held on 29the 29th of September 2026 at The Landmark Nicosia.
Previous Years
