The 2nd RiNNOVATE Forum, which took place on May 3 at the Ayia Napa Marina Event Center, was successfully concluded. Entitled “The Future of Regional Development”, this year’s conference brought together more than 200 participants, including representatives of local authorities, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics and citizens.
The second successful organization of the RiNNOVATE Forum confirmed its role as a platform for discussion and collaboration, as well as a hub for providing transformative strategies and innovative solutions for the region of the free province of Famagusta.
The 2nd RiNNOVATE Forum was welcomed on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, which also placed this year's event under its auspices, by the Deputy Director of the Industry and Technology Service, Ms. Themis Papasolomontos. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Costas Koumis, also delivered a speech, praising the importance of such events for the development of the region and assuring that the state and more specifically the Deputy Ministry of Tourism will support such initiatives for the well-intentioned interest of the region.
The Forum Keynote Address was entitled: “Redefining the Tomorrow of the Free Province of Famagusta: From Challenges to Strategic Opportunities” and was presented by Mr. Evgenio Evgeniou, Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Invest Cyprus. In his address, Mr. Evgeniou highlighted the prospects for sustainable development presented by the region, as well as the potential for attracting investment, particularly in the sectors of agrotechnology, sports and sports tourism, and education.
Additionally, in the context of a presentation by Grant Thornton, a platinum sponsor of the conference, Mr. Konstantinos Raftis, Senior Director of Business Consulting at Grant Thornton Cyprus, developed the topic "Transforming Local Entrepreneurship - The Path to Sustainable Development", focusing on the conditions and tools that can be utilized to strengthen the local business community.
The main part of the conference consisted of four thematic discussions (panels), with the participation of distinguished speakers from various fields, who analyzed critical issues for the region:
Panel 1 was on “Urban Planning and Real Estate Development in the Free Province of Famagusta”. Speakers were Vyronas Ioannou, Chair of the Department of Architecture and Engineering at Frederick University, and Konstantinos Constantis, President of ETEK. The discussion focused on the local plan of the area, the permitting process, attracting investment and the balance between economic development and the preservation of ecologically sensitive areas.
Panel 2 focused on Agriculture, specifically on “Drought Management and Sustainable Water Management”. The panel included Mr. Costas Spanassies, Principal Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Georgios Gadanakis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, as well as agronomist and entrepreneur Mr. Haris Ioannou, representing Optimus Land – Regenerative Land. The discussion highlighted the need for innovative practices and adaptability in the context of the climate crisis.
Panel 3, entitled “Unlocking the Potential of Local Government Reform”, highlighted the opportunities and challenges arising from the new administrative structure resulting from the reform. Speakers were the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the Mayor of Paralimni-Deryneia, Mr. George Nikolettos, and Mr. Sakis Moyseos, Partner at Grant Thornton Cyprus.
Panel 4 discussed “Reshaping the Tourism Experience in Famagusta: From Theory to Practice”. Mr. Thanos Michaelides, President of PASYXE and CEO of Thanos Hotels, Ms. Clea Symeou, CEO of Sassy Events International and President of CIMA, and Mr. Nikos Kartakoullis, Professor at the University of Nicosia and President of the Council, analyzed contemporary tourism trends and the need to upgrade the region’s tourism product through the transition to alternative forms of tourism and experiences that enhance authenticity and sustainability.
Once again, the participation and sincere interest of the public confirm that the goal is common: the progress of our province. The key to such progress is active participation and meaningful cooperation. The ideas and skills are there – the challenge is to turn them into action. The RiNNOVATE Forum is here to contribute to exactly that.
The Ignite Foundation, the organizer of the Forum, warmly thanks all participants. Our goal always remains the same, to join efforts to create the right conditions for sustainable development and long-term prosperity for Famagusta and its people.
The success of the 2nd RiNNOVATE Forum would not have been possible without the support of all participants.
Warm thanks to our supporters – the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipality of Paralimni-Dheryneia – as well as to our sponsors, who supported our effort.
