Andreas Neocleous: I’m inspired because I saw that 33% of the finalists are women

Cyta Business CEO Andreas Neocleous told a crowded Municipal Theatre in Nicosia that he was inspired because 33% of the finalists in the first ever CBN Young Dragon Awards are women.

Neoclous said Cyta Business, which is presenting the awards currently underway, was proud to support a platform that recognises talent at a young age. “It’s important to invest in the future generations. It’s important to invest in the future of our country.”

He added, “All these young individuals, the young leaders that we are going to recognise today, are the ones that are going to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. So it’s important that we recognise them.”

But today, said Neocleous, is not just about recognition. “Today is about inspiration as well. It’s about inspiring and being inspired. I am inspired today, because when I saw the finalists, I saw that 33% of the finalists are women. And that’s the highest percentage that I have seen at awards ever,” the CEO said to a loud round of applause.

“I know that we have some ground to cover until reaching total equality, but it’s a good step,” he continued.

“Also I’m inspired because 25% of the finalists don’t have Greek names. Cyprus is changing, the community’s changing and it’s following the steps of the rest of the world, so the future is coming closer to where we are now,” said Neocleous.

It’s also important to remember that all of these young professionals have unique stories, he added. “And all these stories combine and they contribute to the collective growth and progress of this country. And it’s very important to remember that this country is moving forward, it is changing. Sometimes a little slower than what we would like, but all of the people here and a lot of professionals elsewhere in the country are contributing every day to a much better future for this country. So keep thinking creatively, keep pushing those boundaries, keep chasing your dreams; keep dreaming big. Cyta Business will be there to support you, to enable you, to uplift you, to work together with you, to make those dreams become a reality,” he concluded.

The CBN Young Dragon Awards are presented by Cyta Business, the Gold Sponsor of the Awards is Punin Group, the Young Dragon Champion Sponsor is Ecommbx and Nespresso is the Awards Sponsor.