The role of the diaspora is of crucial significance, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Matters and Overseas Affairs, Fotis Fotiou has said, noting that at the same time, the youth have a key role to play by undertaking crucial positions in their countries and promoting the Cyprus causes. On the occasion of the 8th World Conference of the Organization of Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) and the 26th meeting of the Central Council of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots and International Coordinating Committee`s “Justice for Cyprus” POMAK – PSEKA from 26-28 July in Nicosia, Fotiou said that the role of our overseas Cypriots during all these years is of defining significance and especially during difficult times, like after the Turkish invasion and post financial crisis.”
“The contribution of our expatriates in the struggles of Cyprus is great, and as government and state we owe a big thank you to these people because for years they have supported the struggles of the Greek Cypriots and continue to support them”, he said, adding “their heart is closer to Cyprus than ours and they indeed should be congratulated.” Referring to the overseas Cypriots’ conference, Fotiou said that it is very important as it primarily aims to inform our expatriates on the latest developments, especially on the Cyprus problem and to be briefed by the President of the Republic and the Foreign Minister.
He said they will also be informed on the energy developments, the economy and other issues. At the same time, it will give expatriates’ organisations the chance to meet and exchange views, suggestions so that coordination through the central council becomes more effective. He paid special emphasis on the significance of cooperation with other diasporas, especially the Jewish and Armenian diaspora so that Cyprus can benefit from their experiences in participation at decision making centres. Regarding Young Overseas Cypriots, Fotiou said that in a few years` time they will undertake a leading role in expatriates issues. “We pay special emphasis on the young people, the new generation during the conference. The new generation in a few years’ time will undertake a leading role on diaspora issues. And we are trying to promote our youth to enter the politics of their countries so that they will be able to support their native countries from significant posts overseas. And we do have a number of notable young people who we need to work with”, he added. Fotiou said that a number of programmes are underway for young overseas Cypriots.
There are programmes giving them the chance to visit Cyprus at different ages so that they can learn their native country, its customs and traditions and most of all, its language. “This is what we need to do if we really want the second, third and fourth generation to continue its traditions,” he added. The aim, he said, is to “integrate the experience of people already in leadership positions of expatriates` organisations, and who will remain in those positions for more years, with the new generation so that they can take over.” Fotiou also said that in collaboration with the Open University of Cyprus expatriate youth ages 14-30, can learn the Greek language or history through distance learning programmes. “There is great interest from these young people to get to know their native country,” he added.