Day: September 19, 2022

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The 2nd Cyprus Poster Triennial, co-organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus

 

University of Technology, continues successfully

 

Exhibition will last until October 8

 

The 2nd Cyprus Poster Triennial, which started on June 24 and will last until October 8, continues

 

successfully at the State Gallery of Contemporary Art – SPEL.

 

The international Cyprus Poster Triennial (CPT) is a non-profit institution, aiming to promote and

 

disseminate knowledge and creativity in the field of graphic design, focusing on the poster as an

 

important medium of visual communication. It aspires to establish a graphic design event in the

 

Mediterranean and bring together designers from all over the world. The exhibition program

 

includes presentations, discussions and workshops.

 

A public discussion on “The poster as political act and object of collective viewing: a discussion on

 

control and censorship” will take place on Friday, September 23 at 19:00. The discussion will be held

 

in Greek language.

 

Although censorship in art is a constant topic for study in the fields of sociology, art history or

 

political philosophy, the question of censorship or institutional control over the ideology and social

 

value of posters has been less studied. However, the revolutionary dimension of the poster, its

 

political role and its function as an object of collective viewing and thus as a tool of propaganda,

 

which was established especially after the French Revolution, make it necessary to discuss the limits

 

of freedom of expression. In a democratic society, can or should there be restrictions on the design

 

and circulation of posters in order to prevent possible harm or offence, or does any attempt at

 

control already undermine the foundations of the democratic state?

 

Discussion: Dr. Efi Kyprianidou, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Dr. Evripides Zantides,

 

Professor of Graphic Design and Visual Communication, School of Fine and Applied Arts, Cyprus

 

University of Technology

 

A lecture on “Polish Poster Design and Me” will be held on Friday, October 7 at 19:00 by Lecturer

 

and graphic design practitioner from Poland, Dr. Bartosz Mamak. The lecture will be held in English.

 

In the speaker’s words, “The main theme of my lecture will be Polish Poster Design. I will discuss its

 

evolution throughout the decades and briefly consider the elements that impacted its international

 

position. Then, I will present the paths of changes over the years. After the historical part, I will turn

 

to the contemporary condition of the polish poster design, and I will present my works on this

 

background.”

 

Both events are open to the public and admission is free.

 

The 2nd Cyprus Poster Triennial is being co-organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture – Cultural

 

Services and the Cyprus University of Technology – Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts,Semiotics and Visual Communication Research Lab, with the support of the Cyprus Association of

 

Graphic Designers and Illustrators (CAGDI), Frederick University, +design magazine and Typosters.

 

Photos by Nikolas Karatzas

 

STATE GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART – SPEL

 

73 Ammochostou Street, 1016 Nicosia

 

Opening hours

 

Tuesday – Friday 10:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–19:00 (closed on public holidays)

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Construction materials record annual increase of 16.69% in August

The Construction Materials Price Index recorded a 16.69% increase in August 2022 compared to August 2021.

 

According to data from the Statistical Service, the index stood at 134.34 points (base in 2015=100) this August, a marginal decrease of 0.13% compared to the previous month.

 

In addition, it is noted that by major product category, increases were recorded in metal products (19.66%), minerals (15.81%), wood products, insulation, chemicals and plastics (15.69%), mineral products (15.62%) and electromechanical products (11.91%).

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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SecurityScorecard Enables Organizations to View Risks and Measure the ROI of Security Investments in the Midst of Turbulent Economic Times

SecurityScorecard, the global leader in cybersecurity ratings, today announced it has launched a series of resources designed to help organizations navigate increased scrutiny of budgets and ensure that security efforts get the funding needed to support the business.

 

The content and tools will make it easier for organizations to realize and demonstrate the return on their security program.

 

Economic uncertainty is affecting organizations across industries. While expenditures are being scrutinized, cybersecurity budgets are no exception, and bad actors often take advantage of these turbulent times. Therefore It’s more important than ever for security leaders to articulate the value of their security and vendor risk management programs and effectively communicate clear ROI for technology investments.

 

The resources include the ebook 5 Ways to Secure Your Organization In Turbulent Times, and SecurityScorecard’s Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator, a free high-level estimate of the Total Economic Impact of SecurityScorecard. The Interactive calculator will help organizations understand the Total Economic Impact of SecurityScorecard’s holistic security rating platform.

 

The SecurityScorecard calculator is based upon the Forrester Consulting study, The Total Economic Impact of SecurityScorecard, commissioned by SecurityScorecard. Working with SecurityScorecard customers, Forrester identified and quantified key benefits of investing in SecurityScorecard’s integrated approach to managing cybersecurity risk, including:

 

Increased efficiency in risk management

 

Technology efficiencies and consolidation

 

Improved security posture

 

“Organizations around the world are facing challenging financial climates, putting enormous pressure on CISOs to communicate value to their boards and leaders,” said Aleksandr Yampolskiy, CEO and co-Founder, SecurityScorecard. “Threat actors take advantage of turbulent times when staffing and resources tighten. The faster your team can prove value and justify your investments, the faster you can address your most critical issues.”

 

In addition to the ROI calculator, SecurityScorecard is also helping organizations improve the ROI of their security programs by giving them the ability to:

 

Achieve faster time to value by automating cybersecurity processes

 

Quantify risk in financial terms to the board and test different scenarios of potential impacts

 

Develop key metrics that the board cares about for defining, understanding, and quantifying cybersecurity threats

 

Set automated alerts and rules to prevent missed issues within the organization and any of its third-party vendors.

 

SecurityScorecard is also hosting a four-part, global webinar series to inform viewers about the key areas that leading security teams are prioritizing to proactively secure their organizations. The webinar series, which kicks off September 29th, will have dedicated sessions for North America, APAC and EMEA viewers and cover topics including:

 

Taking Control of Your Security in Turbulent Times

 

Carve Through the Noise by Prioritizing the Most Critical Threats

 

Show the Value of your Security Program

 

Showcase your Strong Security Posture to be the Vendor of Choice

 

Visit here to register for each webinar and learn more about how SecurityScorecard is helping organizations ensure double the return on investment on security awareness and prevention, hold vendors accountable, prioritize further areas of investment, and calculate your ROI estimate.

 

About SecurityScorecard

 

Funded by world-class investors including Evolution Equity Partners, Silver Lake Waterman, Sequoia Capital, GV, Riverwood Capital, and others, SecurityScorecard is the global leader in cybersecurity ratings with more than 12 million companies continuously rated. Founded in 2013 by security and risk experts Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy and Sam Kassoumeh, SecurityScorecard’s patented rating technology is used by over 30,000 organizations for enterprise risk management, third-party risk management, board reporting, due diligence, cyber insurance underwriting, and regulatory oversight. SecurityScorecard is the first cybersecurity ratings company to offer digital forensics and incident response services, providing a 360-degree approach to security prevention and response for its worldwide customer and partner base. SecurityScorecard continues to make the world a safer place by transforming the way companies understand, improve and communicate cybersecurity risk to their boards, employees and vendors. Every organization has the universal right to their trusted and transparent Instant SecurityScorecard rating.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Cyprus has grown considerably, says Ambassador Alsharif

“The friendly and mutually rewarding bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Cyprus has grown considerably over the last years”, said Ambassador Khaled Alsharif on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of the Kingdom’s national day.

 

In a press release, the ambassador noted that during the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia official talks were held with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to review all aspects of bilateral relations, as well as, to enhance and intensify cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as economy, energy, sustainability and tourism.

 

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Cyprus announced that in the context of celebrations for its 92nd National Day, it will host an exhibition of paintings by two distinguished artists of the country, Mohammed Rabat and Fahad Kholaif during the official reception on 22nd September 2022 at the Ambassador’s Residence.

 

Apart from enriching the national day celebrations, the exhibition aims at showcasing representative examples of the contemporary cultural creation of Saudi Arabia that is steeped in the rich heritage of the past, yet adapted to the present via the perspective and visual interpretation of the two selected leading contemporary artists.

 

This is the first time that both artists show their work in Cyprus. Their joint exhibition consists of sixteen recent paintings, eight by each one. They are highly acclaimed artists in Saudi Arabia and abroad, as they both presented extensively their work in several countries.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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House President and Institute of Demographics and Migration Policies discuss migration issues in Cyprus

House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, and a delegation of the Cyprus Institute of Demographics and Migration Policies discussed in a meeting today issues associated with migration and the provision of asylum to third-country nationals.

 

According to a parliament press release, the meeting stressed out the need for a comprehensive plan for handling migration and possibly even a National Strategy and a coordinating body, which will oversee the implementation of policies and measures for migration.

 

The need for solidarity on behalf of EU member states towards the Republic of Cyprus, was also stressed out during the meeting.

 

They also discussed ways for the House of Representatives to promote issues that have been pointed out by the Institute, the press release concludes.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Cyprus and Israel develop roadmap over the solution of the “Aphrodite” and “Ishai” dispute [VIDEO]

The Energy Ministries of Cyprus and Israel said on Monday that technocrats between the two sides have developed a roadmap on the future discussions over a possible settlement of the dispute concerning the “Aphrodite” gas field in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the neighbouring Israeli “Ishai” gas field.

 

Israel’s Energy Minister Karine Elharrar met her Cypriot counterpart Natasa Pilides in Nicosia on Monday with a view to reviewing the discussions concerning the issue.

 

A joint press release issued by the two Ministries said that during an official visit to Cyprus, Pilides and Elharrar “have agreed to continue the constructive process aiming to conclude a fair and swift resolution of the Aphrodite-Ishai issue.”

 

“The professional teams have made progress on the core issues and developed a roadmap for future dialogue. Both sides have expressed optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a settlement, and encourage the commercial sides to continue their own dialogue,” the press release added.

 

According to the press release, Pilides said that “Cyprus and Israel share a common vision for fully unlocking the potential of Eastern Mediterranean gas resources, thereby diversifying energy sources and routes to Europe.”

 

In this context, she added, “our Energy Ministries have made significant progress in the discussions leading to a mutually beneficial resolution of the Aphrodite – Ishai issue, regarding both the relevant bilateral agreement and the terms of reference for the expert to be appointed by the two countries. These discussions will continue in a structured and consistent manner in the following weeks.”

 

On her part, Elharrar said that “in light of the global energy crisis and the growing need for natural gas in Europe, I believe it is in our best interest that both parties should expedite a swift, transparent and fair settlement.”

 

“The trust between us and the continuation of fruitful cooperation in the various fields are very important for both parties,” she said.

 

Straddling in the maritime border between Cyprus and Israel, “Aphrodite” gas field situated in block 12 of Cyprus EEZ is believed to extend to Israel’s Ishai.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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DBRS Morning Star revises down Cyprus’ growth outlook amid gloomier projections for world growth

Rating agency DBRS Morning Star has revised Cyprus’ growth outlook down once more amid gloomier forecasts for global growth taking into account soaring inflation and heightened uncertainty due to the war in Ukraine.

 

In its updated forecasts, the agency reduced Cyprus’ growth prospects for this year by 0.2 percentage points to 3.2% with growth outlook for 2023 slashed by 0.7 percentage point to 2.8%. In tis June forecast, DBRS Morning star said it expected growth to reach 3.4 and 3.5% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

 

“Baseline forecasts are becoming increasingly bearish, particularly the outlook for 2023,” the agency said in an update, adding that high inflation, energy and labor shortages, and rising interest rates are key contributors to the gloomy global forecasts.

 

DBRS also noted that near term risks to inflation are tilted toward the upside, but central bank actions will begin to take greater effect over the next few quarters.

 

The agency projects that the US economy growth rate will reach 0.9% in 2023, while the European outlook has also deteriorated sharply, faced with the prospects of energy shortages this winter, and the U.K. economy is expected to shrink by 0.1%.

 

“Risks of a recession are elevated and asset prices may come under increasing pressure, but financial stability risks appear to be contained,” the agency added.

 

DBRS Morning Star is scheduled to issue a rating action for the Cypriot economy on October 7.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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One in nine people over the age of 65 affected by Alzheimer’s, Health Minister says

One in nine people over the age of 65 are affected by Alzheimers, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said on Monday.

 

He was addressing a press conference to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21st.

 

Hadjipantela mentioned that “the number of people with dementia is expected to triple until 2050, from 50 to 152 million,” and stressed that, as the world’s population is aging the need for people who are or will be affected by the disease to be cared for becomes imperative.

 

He added that a National Action Plan for handling issues associated with dementia is underway, while the Phase B of the construction of the new Athalassa Hospital provides for a Psycho-geriatric Clinic, that will care specifically for elders.

 

President of Cyprus Neurological Society, Dr. Michalis Protopapas, explained that Alzheimer’s mainly affects societies with a longer life expectancy and added that the youngest patient he has treated is 42 years old and the youngest patient with Alzheimer’s in Cyprus is 37. Dr. Protopapas said that treatment, especially when applied as soon as possible, will delay the progress of the disease, but the delay is not enough.

 

On behalf of the Cyprus Alzheimer’s Association, Costas Kapitanis, talked about the case of a 37-year-old patient, who has found strength and courage, both for himself and his wife, as well as for their underage children, through the support of the Association. He stressed that both society and state have a responsibility to support the Association’s work and efforts.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Prospects for broader collaboration between Cyprus and Slovakia, towards the UN Ministers Summit

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Costas Kadis, will discuss the prospects of further collaboration on circular economy and the protection of nature between Cyprus and Slovakia, in his upcoming meeting with his Slovakian counterpart, Ján Budaj, during the latter’s visit in Cyprus, for the 9th Ministerial UN Summit “Environment for Europe”, which is co-organised be the Republic of Cyprus and the UN Economic Committee for Europe.

 

Budaj’s upcoming visit was discussed today during a meeting between Costas Kadis and the Slovakian Ambassador in Cyprus, Martin Bezák. The two also discussed the bilateral collaboration in dealing with mutual challenges, such as the implementation of Fit for 55.

 

As announced, Kadis informed Bezák that there is great interest for participation in the upcoming Summit, which will take place in Nicosia during 5-7 October 2022. The Summit takes place in the Mediterranean for the first time and will revolve around circular economy, sustainable tourism, environmental education and sustainable development.

 

Kadis mentioned that around 700 applicants have submitted to attend the Summit. He also added that around 50 Ministers of Environment and Education from UNECE and non-UNECE countries (Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East) will be attending. In particular, Slovakia will be attending with an 11-member delegation, headed by the country’s Minister of Environment.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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Commission proposes new mechanism to protect EU common market during crisis

The European Commission presented a proposal for a new Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) which would become the European Union’s governance framework for preserving the free movement of goods, services and persons and the availability of essential goods and services in the event of emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The proposal, presented on Monday, aims to address structural shortcomings that were made apparent during the pandemic, which hampered the EU’s ability to effectively respond to emergency situations in a coordinated manner, leading to unilateral measures and fragmentation, which worsened the crisis particularly affecting SMEs.

 

The proposals will now be passed to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for discussion and approval.

 

“The COVID-19 crisis made it clear: we must make our Single Market operational at all times, including in times of crisis,” Commission Executive Vice President for the digital transition Margrethe Vestager said.

 

“We need new tools that allow us to react fast and collectively. So that whenever we face a new crisis, we can ensure that our Single Market remains open and that goods of vital importance remain available to protect European people,” she added.

 

Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, further noted that “we must be better prepared to anticipate and respond to the next crisis”.

 

“Rather than relying on ad hoc improvised actions, the Single Market Emergency Instrument will provide a structural answer,” he explained, adding that the SMEI “will ensure better coordination with Member States, help pre-empt and limit the impact of a potential crisis on our industry and economy, and equip Europe with tools that our global partners have and that we lack”.

 

The Single Market Emergency Instrument complements other EU legislative measures for crisis management like the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as EU rules for specific sectors, supply chains or products like health, semiconductors or food security, which already foresee targeted crisis response measures.

 

The proposal for a Single Market Emergency Instrument for dealing in crisis on an EU level includes:

 

– Creating a crisis governance architecture for the Single Market through identifying different levels of risk and coordinating an appropriate response comprising several stages – contingency, vigilance and emergency modes. When a threat to the Single Market has been identified, the Commission can activate the vigilance modem in case of a crisis with a wide-ranging impact on the Single Market, the Council can activate the emergency mode.

 

– Proposing new actions to address threats to the Single Market, such as, in vigilance mode, focusing on monitoring supply chains of identified, strategically important goods and services as well as on building up strategic reserves. During emergency mode, free movement in the Single Market will be upheld through a blacklist of prohibited restrictions and, more generally, through reinforced and rapid scrutiny of unilateral restrictions.

 

– Allowing last-resort measures in an emergency by the Commission, such as issuing targeted information requests to economic operators, which can be made binding or asking them to accept priority rated orders for crisis-relevant products. Rules permitting such derogations are laid down in separate proposals for a Regulation and a Directive amending a number of product-specific regulatory regimes, which accompany the SMEI Regulation.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency