‘As a Federation, not only do we actively promote Cyprus as a destination for inward investment, but we also work closely with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to create the forums and infrastructure that meaningfully utilise the expertise of the wider diaspora to accelerate Cyprus’ potential’
Christos, as president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, as well as holding key positions in various Cypriot affiliated organisations, what are your most important responsibilities?
“As president of the Federation, I work closely with the officers, executive and secretariat committee to ensure that the Federation is focused on and delivering its core objectives. Our secretariat is composed of individuals from across our member organisations, thereby ensuring that we represent the diversity and breadth of our organised Cypriot diaspora.
“Outside the Federation, I am also vice-president of the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, secretary of the trust of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, and on the advisory board of Cypriots in the City.”
The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK is the representative body and acknowledged voice of Cypriots in the United Kingdom. What are the organisation’s aims and objectives?
“Our main objectives are to organise the UK Cypriot campaign for a free, united Cyprus and to advance the interests of the community. To do so, we are active in several spheres. In British politics, we regularly engage with the foreign office, parliamentarians, British political parties, and media. In wider society, through our events and initiatives, we actively encourage, support, and advance the contribution of UK Cypriots in British society and institutions. This is all, of course, through the support and activities of our member associations.”
How has the Federation successfully kept the Cyprus issue at the forefront of discussions, both in the United Kingdom and abroad?
“We actively engage with the UK Government, opposition, and parliament in general. Today, our All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus now has 48 MPs from across the UK’s political parties and nations as well as the Federation as its secretariat, giving us a direct and effective line to Westminster.
“As a Federation, we also provide a platform for our diaspora to make its voice heard directly to its elected representatives in parliament. For example, this year our annual #HandsOffCyprus campaign, ensured that over 63 per cent of MPs were contacted by their constituents who voiced their steadfast demand for a free, united Cyprus, without Turkish occupation troops and system of guarantees, based upon a just and viable solution to the issue.
“We also actively engage with the British media to ensure that the Cyprus issue and UK relations with Turkey remain on the public agenda.”
What have been some of the organisation’s key-defining moments?
“Our key-defining moments are closely aligned to those of Cyprus. The Federation itself was created immediately after the Turkish invasion in 1974 to coordinate the activities of the Cypriot diaspora in the UK. When the occupying regime announced its illegal ‘Unilateral Declaration of Independence’ in 1983, it was our strong presence in parliament and her constituency of Finchley (where I also live) that meant prime minister Margaret Thatcher immediately condemned the action and set the UK’s policy of non-recognition.
“When Cyprus’ accession into the European Union was questioned in the UK, it was our fast response that meant foreign secretary Douglas Hurd changed his position to support the island’s application.
“And more recently, when the UK Government initially refused to condemn Turkey’s illegal blockading of Eni’s drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ, it was the coordinated campaign by the Federation at the FCDO and in parliament that led to the reversal of this position.”
The UK Cypriot community has certainly changed over the years. How is the Federation evolving to meet their needs?
“As a Federation of member associations, we always need to make sure that there are relevant groups and networks that accurately represent the UK Cypriot community as it is today. Important to this is a systematic approach to bringing our second and third generation Cypriots closer to the diaspora and ensuring that our structures and associations reflect how they define themselves.
“In the last two years alone, for example, we have seen two member associations form and join the Federation – Cypriots in the City and Cypriot Medical Society – these are great examples of how our diaspora is reshaping. We also now have dedicated seats on the Federation’s secretariat to ensure that at least 25 per cent of our committee is under 38.”
Does the federation collaborate with other Cypriot organisations of the global diaspora?
“The Federation is the UK member of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (Pomak) and International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (Pseka). Through these bodies we collaborate closely with our sister organisations representing the Cypriot diaspora around the world – we share best practices and coordinate joint campaigns. In the UK, we also actively collaborate with other diaspora groups including the Jewish, Kurdish, Armenian and Egyptian communities on areas of common interest.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in Management Consulting?
“I have been at Bain & Company for over 15 years now, and I am a partner in our financial services practice. To this day, I still get energised by working with our fantastic teams to solve our clients’ toughest problems and deliver tangible results.”
Who or what has been a major inspiration in your life?
“My parents and grandparents have been my greatest inspiration. Despite their hardships, whether that was being made a refugee after the Turkish invasion or coming to the UK in 1930s and losing all their property after the invasion, they rebuilt their lives in the UK and did everything they could to ensure the next generation would have a better life than they did. They did all this, whilst ensuring my brothers and I retained our passion and pride for our roots and culture.”
Did your Greek Cypriot upbringing influence your road to success in any way?
“Absolutely. From a young age, I had a sense of resilience, drive and entrepreneurism instilled in me, which has served me well and I see the same characteristics amongst many Cypriots. In an increasingly multi-cultural society, I believe that we can be both active citizens in the UK, whilst also being proud of our roots and heritage, because that is what makes us distinctive.”
As a successful Greek Cypriot of the diaspora, you are an ambassador for Cyprus abroad. How has the Greek Cypriot community in the United Kingdom responded to your success?
“That is very kind, although it is not just me. We now have a successful generation of second, third and fourth diaspora Cypriots in top professions and vocations emerging. That is why as a Federation we launched the UK Cypriot Professional Network to provide the platform for these diaspora Cypriots to mentor and network with the younger generation.”
In your opinion, what needs to change in terms of lobbying for Cyprus’ unification?
“The key to the resolution of the Cyprus issue lies in Turkey and we must recognise that the major powers – especially the United Kingdom and the United States of America – have complex, multifaceted, yet close relationships with Turkey. Therefore, we need to ensure that we create the right incentives, framework, and climate for these major powers to use this relationship to positively advance the reunification of Cyprus.”
The government of Cyprus has introduced many incentives across multiple growth sectors to encourage direct foreign investment. How do you perceive the future of Cyprus from a business perspective, and does the federation actively promote Cyprus as a favourable investment destination?
“Cyprus has overcome both the Turkish invasion and the global financial crisis to establish itself as a modern and prosperous country, so the future is bright for Cyprus. Cyprus is a small island, so it cannot do everything. So, the challenge for Cyprus in the decade to come, will be prioritising and focusing on the key (few) areas of growth and ensuring that the underlying drivers (e.g., infrastructure, talent, incentives) are in place.
“As a Federation, not only do we actively promote Cyprus as a destination for inward investment, but we also work closely with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to create the forums and infrastructure that meaningfully utilise the expertise of the wider diaspora to accelerate Cyprus’ potential.”
