The President of the Republic of Cyprus visits UNIC Athens

Tour by the CEO of the University of Nicosia to the state-of-the-art facilities of the Athens campus

UNIC Athens, the academic and research hub of the University of Nicosia in Greece, welcomed today, Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, who had an extensive visit to the university’s state-of-the-art facilities in the area of Elliniko.

The tour of the President of the Republic was conducted by the CEO of the University of Nicosia, Mr Antonis Polemitis, who presented the vision and achievements of the institution’s academic presence in Greece. The visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus highlights the importance that the Cypriot Government places on the academic presence and achievements of the University of Nicosia in Greece, as well as its contribution to strengthening the educational and research ties between the two countries.

President Christodoulides was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vassiliki (Lina) Kassianidou, the Deputy Minister to the President, Mrs Irini Piki, the Deputy Government Spokesman, Mr Giannis Antoniou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Athens, Mr Stavros Avgoustidis, as well as senior officials of the Cypriot Government and diplomatic service.

In his remarks, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated:

“Today, we feel proud, because the academic knowledge and scientific know-how produced in Cyprus transcends the geographical boundaries of our homeland and gains a presence in Greece. The operation of the University of Nicosia, UNIC Athens, is tangible proof that Cypriot universities can compete internationally, expand, and serve as Centers of Excellence, Research and Innovation. This is a development that makes us proud, that honors us as a country and strengthens Cyprus’ position on the broader academic and research map, reflecting our strategic objective for the internationalization and upgrading of Higher Education, while at the same time contributing to our effort to shape an environment that genuinely promotes Knowledge, Research and Innovation.

The presence of the University of Nicosia in Athens at the same time constitutes a historic milestone for the academic relations between Greece and Cyprus. It is the first time that a university from our country acquires a physical presence in Greece, further strengthening our cooperation and creating new opportunities for our young people.

As a Government, we view such initiatives as strategic partnerships. Partnerships which, among other things, promote the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education, strengthen development, and contribute to upgrading our country’s international image.”

Tour of the innovative facilities

During the visit, the President of the Republic was briefed on the operation of the modern academic infrastructure of UNIC Athens, which extends over 12,500 m² and is expected to receive LEED Gold certification, making it the first university building in Greece to receive this distinction. The facilities reflect the university’s philosophy of sustainability and energy efficiency, while their strategic location next to The Ellinikon, the future “green” and “smart” city of Athens, underlines the vision of creating an interconnected ecosystem of education, science and technology.

UNIC Athens is the academic and research base of the University of Nicosia in Greece, combining high level, internationally recognised teaching and research with modern facilities and close partnerships in fields such as health, technology and industry. Located in the area of Elliniko, with direct access to the city centre, it offers a vibrant and demanding environment for study, research and professional development, in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic capital cities.

The UNIC Athens campus is being developed in three phases and has been designed to support academic excellence and enrich the student experience. The first phase, which is currently in operation, includes the state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to The Ellinikon, while the subsequent phases will extend the university’s physical presence within the development itself. The overall development plan foresees the creation of a comprehensive Academic and Research Centre of approximately 25,000 m², which will directly link the campus with the “smart city” of The Ellinikon.

At the end of the tour, the President of the Republic sat at the building’s café-restaurant, where he continued discussions with members of the University’s leadership in a more informal setting.