Nicosia: “As a state we have to do much more to show that we take into account the concerns of young people, to show that young people are heard and that there is a reason for them to participate in the country’s public affairs,” said President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday. President Christodoulides was speaking during a discussion held at the 5th National Youth Summit organized by the Youth Board of Cyprus (ONEK), at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of Ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats and other officials.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the need for political leadership to engage young people actively, not just through dialogue but through concrete actions. He mentioned the use of technology to document and address the issues faced by young people, highlighting housing as a significant concern. The government has already initiated eight housing schemes in the past 19 months, which have been positively received, with plan
s to expand these initiatives further.
The President also underscored the importance of education and health as primary sectors for the government. He noted the impact of climate change as a crucial topic discussed with young people during his election campaign. Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, echoed the need for political will and support in education, aiming to equip citizens with essential skills such as road safety and environmental awareness.
Deputy Executive Director of ONEK, Maria Miltiadou, pointed out that young people constitute at least 20.2% of Cyprus’s population, yet their participation in political and social life remains limited. She highlighted that the 5th National Youth Summit is occurring in a year dedicated to youth, with 2024 declared as the “National Year of Youth” by the Council of Ministers. This declaration includes a variety of new and ongoing initiatives by all Ministries and Deputy Ministries.
The summit also included a discussion where young attende
es raised questions about various issues. Topics such as the evaluation of teachers in public schools, student participation in public life, career guidance, employment opportunities for graduates, and the overall education system philosophy were addressed.