Paphos, Cyprus. Discussions alongside the opening of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments in Paphos and a G100 event in Greece highlighted themes ranging from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to women’s leadership and Cyprus energy costs.
Freedom Holding CEO outlines wider vision in Paphos
On March 28, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments at Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, Freedom Holding chief executive officer Timur Turlov told the Cyprus Mail he has a vision extending beyond finance. He connected artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, global capital flows and chess.
Skourides links women’s leadership to competitiveness and innovation
Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, speaking in Greece, argued that women’s leadership should be treated as a strategic priority tied directly to competitiveness, technology, and the future direction of Cyprus and Greece. At the G100 political diplomatic event, an initiative of Olga Pavlides Koutroubis, former vice mayor of Athens, and supported by Cyprus G100’s Maria Militsopoulou, Skourides said societies cannot claim to be ready for the future while leaving part of their talent behind.
The event, held under the theme “Open the Door, Expand the Future,” brought together diplomats, policymakers, founders, innovators, women’s organisations and male allies supporting female leadership. Skourides participated after being invited by Koutroubis in his capacity as a G100 Denim Club Global Advisor on the Global Advisory Council for Humanity, Innovation and Technology.
Oev warns high energy costs remain competitiveness threat
Cypriot businesses are continuing to grapple with high energy costs, with employers’ federation Oev warning the issue remains a major threat to competitiveness even as the country advances its green transition. In a report issued ahead of its annual general meeting on April 28, Oev said 2025 was marked by major developments in energy and the environment as Cyprus sought to stay on course with national and EU climate neutrality goals while facing rising cost pressures and mounting environmental risks.
Oev said it remained actively involved in shaping policy on energy, the environment and sustainable development, aiming to support businesses and ensure what it described as a fair and realistic green transition.
Which of these issues do you think will most shape Cyprus’s competitiveness in the coming year?
