Government gears up for crucial London event to repatriate Cypriot talent

Government officials and other key stakeholders, led by President Nikos Christodoulides, have started heading off to London, UK, where they will be attempting to entice Cypriot professionals to return to their homeland.

More than 750 people have registered to participate in the long-anticipated event, 'Minds in Cyprus', which is taking place tomorrow, 21 May, at Guildhall - the heart of London's administration.

During the event, the government will present its new Action Plan for the return of talent to the homeland — featuring insights from top business leaders and inspiring stories of Cypriots who have already taken the step.

CBN will be there to provide exclusive coverage.

President: "Cyprus is changing... This Cyprus needs you"

Taking to X, President Christodoulides posted: "We are building a country with open horizons. We are creating an environment that makes your return not only possible, but appealing. A Cyprus that gives you the opportunity to continue your life here — with safety, with prospects, with growth."

• Read more: President Christodoulides announces incentives for Cypriots working abroad to return

He added, "We invite you with vision, with a clear plan and strategy. Because Cyprus is changing. And it's changing so that its own people can come back home. This Cyprus needs you — and it is ready for all of you."

Invest Cyprus posted on its social media: "We are almost there! 'Minds in Cyprus' is a flagship initiative of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, aiming to bring talented Cypriot professionals back home to help shape the country’s future. As part of this effort, the Presidency will present its action plan and engage the Cypriot diaspora, opening the door to exciting new possibilities."

Event Programme

The highly important event will start off with welcome remarks by Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman, Invest Cyprus and Phanos Theophanous, President, Cypriots in the City, followed by President Christodoulides’ keynote speech: Minds in Cyprus: Reconnecting Talent, Transforming Cyprus.

A panel entitled “Changing Cyprus: New Horizons for Talent and Enterprise”, will follow. Moderated by Lia Riris, Deputy Director General, Invest Cyprus, the panel will be joined by Irene Piki - Deputy Minister to the President of Cyprus, Stavros Stavrou - President, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Andrew Bird - CEO, Remedica, Joanna Carlin - Executive Director, Global Head of Talent Acquisition, MUFG Investor Services, Michalis Charalambides - CEO, Ecommbx and Demetrios Zoppos - Co-founder, 33East.

• Read more: Parliament being asked to consider "brain gain" bill

Cypriots who have successfully returned to the island will offer their own testimonials during the panel discussion “Why I Went Back: Stories of Return, Belonging and Impact”. Moderated by Charis Kynigou - Executive Board Member, Head of Private Banking, Treasury Capital Markets & ESG, Astro Bank, it will be joined by Yiannis Panayiotou - Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus, Alexis Pantazis - Co-Founder & Executive Director, Hellas Direct, Thalis Anaxagoras - CEO, ISDI Limited, Marianna Hadjiantoniou - Founder and Director of PERHA Group and Christoforos Papachristoforou - Founder & Managing Partner, Invel Real Estate. (More testimonials can be found on Invest Cyprus’ Working & Living in Cyprus YouTube Series, here)

Read more: TechIsland Summit panel considers ‘Reclaiming Talent: Cyprus’ Strategic Brain Gain’

A Q&A and then a Networking Reception, where attendees will get the change to directly engage with representatives of Cyprus' innovation and business ecosystem — including employers, startup founders, and institutional stakeholders. Companies from various sectors in Cyprus will also be present.

Konstantinos Letymbiotis: "The Minds in Cyprus initiative is an act of faith"

Taking to X, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis posted: "The Minds in Cyprus initiative is an act of faith. Faith in the Cypriot who left and succeeded, in the scientist, in the entrepreneur who thrived elsewhere. It is a political act. A government addressing its citizens abroad and saying, 'I need you so we can change our homeland together'. Minds Cyprus is your ticket to return."

He added, "We need your talent, your experience, your knowledge. Because we are building a new relationship between the state and its citizens. With strong economic indicators, new quality job opportunities, and active support for repatriation. Cyprus is changing. And it’s calling on you to return as ambassadors of this change."

Concluding, Letymbiotis' post said: "Discover the new Action Plan of the Cyprus Government for the return of talent to the homeland — with insights from leading business figures and inspiring stories of Cypriots who have already taken the step."

The Cyprus Trade Centre UK posted on X: "Very exciting! 2 days left for the brain gain project!"

Cypriots in the City posted:

About the “Minds in Cyprus” initiative

“Minds in Cyprus” is a flagship initiative of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, dedicated to attracting talented Cypriot professionals from abroad to return and contribute to the country’s ongoing transformation. Recognising the invaluable potential of its diaspora, the initiative aims to connect skilled individuals with the growing opportunities emerging across Cyprus’ dynamic economy-particularly in sectors such as technology, financial services, energy, health, and innovation.

The initiative will be officially launched at a landmark event on 21st May in London, featuring the announcement of the Government’s Action Plan for the Repatriation of Talent by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The event will also include remarks and insights from key government officials, leading figures from the Cypriot business community, and inspiring testimonials from repatriated professionals who have found rewarding careers and entrepreneurial success upon returning to Cyprus.

• Read more: Cabinet approves tax incentive bill in tangible step towards ‘brain gain’

“Minds in Cyprus” reflects the country’s broader commitment to investing in human capital and positioning itself as a thriving European hub for business, technology, and innovation. With a growing startup ecosystem, competitive career prospects, and a high quality of life, Cyprus offers a compelling value proposition for Cypriots seeking to return home while advancing their professional ambitions.

The launch event will conclude with a networking reception, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with representatives of Cyprus’ innovation and business ecosystem-including employers, startup founders, and institutional stakeholders.

Whether you’re considering returning, collaborating, or simply exploring what Cyprus has to offer, “Minds in Cyprus” is your invitation to be part of a national comeback story-driven by talent, ideas, and shared purpose.

(You can find out more about the event at the specially designed website mindsincyprus.com)