Prince Michael of Kent delivers Keynote Address during Launch Event at the University of Nicosia

The inauguration of the Cyprus Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS Cyprus) took place at the University of Nicosia. The Cyprus Branch forms part of the international network of the RCS, which aims at contributing towards improving the well-being and prospects of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The main goal of RCS Cyprus is to promote the principles and values of the Commonwealth (democracy, human rights, sustainable development, environmental protection, gender equality, protection of the youth, good governance and recognition of the role of small states), as well as to strengthen relations among its states and peoples.

Prince Michael of Kent, a member of the British Royal Family, delivered the keynote address at the event, in which he spoke about the new role of the Commonwealth in business and investment. His presence at the launch event highlighted the importance of the establishment of the Cyprus Branch of the RCS.

The creation of RCS Cyprus comes at a critical time in view of the completion of 150 years since the creation of the Royal Commonwealth Society in London, as well as of the new dynamic that the organisation of the Commonwealth acquired following the recent Commonwealth Summit in London, and in light of the imminent exit of the United Kingdom from the EU.

The affiliation of RCS Cyprus with the University of Nicosia will enhance its growth and activity potential. At the same time, this is an acknowledgment of the fact that the University of Nicosia is the largest university in Cyprus (based on total number of enrolled students), and the largest English-speaking university in the  region. RCS Cyprus has demonstrable active presence having already organised a number of cultural and charity events, as well as academic research conferences.

The President of the House of Representatives, Mr. Demetris Syllouris; the Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rea Yiordamlis; and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CIPA, Mr. Michalis Michael; delivered addresses at the event. The CEO of the University of Nicosia, Mr. Antonis Polemitis, as well as the Chairman of RCS Cyprus and Dean of the School of Law, Prof. Achilles Emilianides, welcomed the guests on behalf of the University.

The first Board of Directors of RCS Cyprus consists of the following members: Prof. Achilles Emilianides, Chairman, Dr. Christina Ioannou, Vice-Chair, Prof. Cosntantinos Phellas, Dr. Emilios Solomou, Costas Katsaros, George Xinaris and Hera Ioannou. Anna Karafoulidou is the Director of the Branch. RCS Cyprus will be based at the University of Nicosia.