Dear Esteemed Symposium Participants,
As the curtain falls on our symposium, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your invaluable contributions to its success. Your active participation, insights, and enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on these two extraordinary days.
Our gratitude goes to Ms. Philipa Karsera Christodoulides for her powerful addresses, wearing not only the hat of the First Lady but also bringing forth her accomplished diplomatic perspective and commitment as a dedicated wife and mother. Larisa Miller and Michael Tyrimos, through their inspirational speeches, stirred our minds and hearts, leaving us inspired and motivated.
A special thank you to Nellina Basile for her enlightening introduction on the twinning of BPW Kerynia with BPW Gravina Puglia (Italy). The celebration, led by our sisters from Puglia, showcased the meaningful connections between our communities.
Saturday's proceedings were graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, BPW Europe Regional Coordinator, Ms Anu Viks, President of the Athens CCI Ms. Sophia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, President of OEB, Mr. Antonis Antoniou, Secretary General of CCCI, Mr. Marios Tsiakkis and President of the House of Representatives, H.E. Ms. Annita Demetriou, who actively participated via video.
Larisa Miller's opening remarks set the stage for thought-provoking panel discussions and interventions. I extend my sincere appreciation to all our expert speakers and panelists for their insightful contributions.
A special salute to Ms. Anna Koukkides-Procopiou, Minister of Justice and Public Order, for her dynamic participation in the Fireside Chat "Women in decision-making centers: business, politics, society," alongside the indomitable Ms. Larisa Miller. Our deepest appreciation also goes to Ms. Josie Christodoulou, Commissioner for Gender Equality, for her insightful contributions.
A brief intervention from the acclaimed Cypriot female entrepreneur, Ms. Eugenia Herodotou, added a unique perspective to our discussions, and we extend our gratitude for her contribution.
The symposium conveyed crucial messages about the imperative need for unity between men and women. It emphasised the significance of leveraging collective wisdom and mutual support to shape a future where women take centre stage in the narrative of progress.
In the face of global challenges such as war, economic uncertainty, global warming, and AI advancements, the collective presence of women and men has never been more crucial. The time has come for women to step into influential roles in politics and the economy, becoming true protagonists.
We learned about the importance of achieving balance between men and women in both professional and familial spheres without compromising on motherhood or femininity. The symposium highlighted that empowerment must not remain a concept but must manifest as a tangible reality.
Despite the challenges, one undeniable truth remains: women want to, and can, lead. This symposium reiterated that achieving this goal requires collective efforts, a commitment to shifting mindsets, and enlightening decision-makers.
I extend my deep thanks to our sisters from the Mediterranean region and beyond, spanning Cyprus, France, Italy, Israel, Greece, Lebanon, Malta, Estonia, Nepal, Germany, England, Ireland, Moldavia, Austria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Congo, and the United States. Your diverse perspectives enriched our symposium and strengthened our global network.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to our sponsors for making this symposium a reality. Your support is instrumental in advancing our shared mission. The event was conducted with the support of the National Mechanism for Women's Rights and the Ministry of Tourism. Special thanks to Partners Connected Communications, Bank of Cyprus, Porsche, EnergyIntel Services Ltd, Bean Bar, The 1 to 1 Diet, ExxonMobil/Esso, Pafilia Property Developers, Aeon Payment Technologies, Nextius Capital, Kapodistrias Automotive Parts, and Kapnos Airport Shuttle and Etam.
A special acknowledgment is due to the dedicated BPW volunteers and the Partners Connected Communications team. Your hard work and commitment were crucial in creating the remarkable experience we all shared over the past two days.
And let's not forget our Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Sandra Da Silva. Her skillful orchestration added an extra layer of inspiration to our collective experience.
Dear participants, thank you once again for being part of this transformative event. I eagerly anticipate our reunion next year as we continue our collective journey toward progress and empowerment.
Warm regards,
Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides
President, BPW Cyprus
