Larnaca
Dec 2024
Civil Protection
The Nicosia Risk Forum 2024 (NRF 2024) concluded successfully on December 5, 2024, at the luxurious Golden Bay Beach in Larnaca, Cyprus. With its breathtaking Mediterranean views and state-of-the-art facilities, the venue provided an inspiring setting for discussions centered on this year’s theme: “Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of the Mediterranean Region: Safety, Security, and Climate Crisis Challenges.”
Since its inception in 2018, the Nicosia Risk Forum has become a premier event for South-Eastern Europe, bridging academic, industrial, governmental, and societal stakeholders committed to advancing societal safety. Co-organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and the Center of Excellence in Risk and Decision Sciences (CERIDES) at European University Cyprus, Nicosia Risk Forum 2024 welcomed 145 experts from 27 countries.
A Distinguished Platform for Dialogue
Under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, NRF 2024 brought together experts from across the Mediterranean and beyond. President Christodoulides delivered a keynote welcome address on December 5, underscoring Cyprus’s leadership role in fostering resilience and collaboration in the region.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by prominent dignitaries, including:
- Dr. Konstantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus
- Ms. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Republic of Cyprus
- Mr. Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean
- Dr. Christos Triantopoulos, Deputy Minister of Civil Protection & Climate Crisis, Republic of Greece
- Ms. Maria Papa, Commander, Civil Defense Cyprus
Expert Contributions and Keynotes
Several focused breakout sessions enriched the program, providing participants with opportunities to delve into key areas of disaster resilience and civil protection. These sessions included “Strengthening Preparedness Capacity in the European Area – UCPM Exercises & Activities”, “Lessons Learned from International Collaboration and Regional Activities in Civil Protection”, “European Projects in Safety & Security”, “Disaster-Resilient Societies”, and “European Projects in Safety & Security”
The forum featured three distinguished keynote speakers who shared their insights on disaster resilience and Mediterranean safety strategies:
- Mr. Stephen Borg, Deputy Secretary General, Union for the Mediterranean
- Mr. Giovanni Di Girolamo, Head of Unit C.2 ‘Middle East and North Africa,’ Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
- Mr. Panayiotis Liasides, Assistant Director, Cyprus Civil Defense
These sessions fostered valuable exchanges, contributing to the overarching goal of making the Mediterranean region safer in the face of natural disasters and climate crises.
In addition, the event facilitated dynamic interactions through the Networking World Café, where participants engaged in free-style networking discussions over coffee in a relaxed setting outside the conference rooms.
A notable achievement of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Union for the Mediterranean and European University Cyprus, fostering new collaborations in advancing safety and security in the region.
Exploring Larnaca’s Beauty
Participants also had the opportunity to experience the charm of Larnaca, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning coastline, and historic landmarks like the Church of Saint Lazarus and the ancient ruins of Kition.
Sponsors and Supporters
NRF 2024 was made possible through the support of leading organizations:
- Bank of Cyprus: A leader in financial services and a strong supporter of regional resilience initiatives.
- ecommBX: An innovative e-money institution driving digital solutions in the financial sector.
- Chevron: A global energy company committed to sustainability and resilience in its operations.
- FEC International: Experts in environmental management and disaster preparedness solutions.
- Geosysco: Specialists in geospatial technologies that enhance disaster response and mitigation.
- Vtti: Leaders in energy storage with a focus on operational excellence and environmental safety.
- Prevention at Sea: Innovators in maritime safety solutions.
EasyConferences was responsible for the online registration system and event coordination, ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience.
A Growing Tradition
Professor George Boustras, Director of CERIDES, emphasized the forum’s expanding reach and impact. “NRF continues to attract an increasing number of participants from Mediterranean countries and beyond, enabling valuable dialogue that fosters regional resilience,” he said.
With its combination of formal sessions and informal networking opportunities, NRF 2024 offered participants an inclusive platform to forge collaborations and share best practices.
The next edition, NRF 2025, is poised to further this legacy of success. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and moments on CERIDES’s social media platforms.
About CERIDES
CERIDES is a Center of Excellence offering holistic, interdisciplinary solutions that support governance, promote innovation and advance societal responsibility and environmental consciousness.
For more information about NRF and CERIDES, visit CERIDES.
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