Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Chairman of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, has presented the journey, philosophy and long-standing contribution of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus.
Stelios Philanthropic Foundation said in a press release that the presentation took place on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, at its headquarters in Nicosia, as part of the preparations for the Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled to be held on 8 June 2026.
"The event bore a strong imprint of the business community, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping conditions of cooperation and stability that contribute to the island’s economic development. Representatives of the business sector attended the event, along with the leadership of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB), and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce," the press release added.
Also present at the event were the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Khasim Diagne, Ambassador of Greece, Konstantinos Kollias, and British High Commissioner, Michael Tatham.
It further noted that speaking via live Zoom connection, sir Haji-Ioannou presented the activities of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and "underlined the enduring value of the Awards institution, noting that it makes a meaningful contribution to the consolidation of lasting peace on the island and strengthens the economic progress of both communities."
As he pointed out, the Bi-Communal Awards "are not merely an annual ceremony, but a constant reminder that cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs can build relationships of trust that stand the test of time, transcending dividing lines, even when politics fails to do so."
The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards, which have been established as one of the longest-running and most substantial institutions of bi-communal cooperation in Cyprus, mark 16 years in 2026. The total value of the Awards to date, including this year’s amount of €500,000, has reached €5.3 million, the founder and creator of the initiative noted.
Welcoming the guests, Rena Rouvitha Panou, Member of the Board of Directors of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, said that the objective of the event is to inspire, motivate and encourage a steadily growing number of bi-communal teams to apply and participate in the Bi-Communal Cooperation Awards. In this way, she pointed out, strong and meaningful business partnerships between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can be fostered, strengthening mutual trust.
This year’s prize fund of €500,000, she added, is a tangible example of the financial support provided by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation to bi-communal business teams, as well as an ongoing incentive for them to continue their efforts.
Following the completion of the presentation, a Cocktail Dinner was held, offering guests the opportunity to exchange views, discuss prospects for cooperation and strengthen communication networks between the two communities.
It is noted that the 2026 Bi-Communal Cooperation Awards Ceremony will take place in June, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
(Source: CNA)
