Oev conference in Nicosia explores social enterprises and labour market inclusion

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) issued a statement on Monday summarising a conference held at its Nicosia headquarters, which focused on how social enterprises could increase employment and labour market participation in Cyprus.

Organisers and theme

The event took place on October 21 under the title “Social Entrepreneurship and Inclusion: From Idea to Participation, Employment and Social Change”. It was jointly organised by Oev, the Co-operative Societies Service, which is the competent authority for social enterprises, and the cultural organisation Neophytos.

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Aims of the event

The conference sought to outline the institutional framework that governs social enterprises and to assess their potential for growth in Cyprus. It also looked at the part played by responsible business practices in advancing social inclusion.

Speakers

Opening addresses were given by Paris Anastasiou, Oev director of business development and green transition, and by Loukas Ioannou and Aristidis Charalambous, representing Neophytos. Kypros Protopapas, Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Social Enterprises, also spoke, as did Grigoria Gavriilidou, political affairs officer at the European Commission Representation in Cyprus.

Oev’s wider objectives

According to Oev, the conference is part of broader efforts to promote social entrepreneurship, widen job opportunities and encourage meaningful participation in the labour market.

The federation said it aims to help build a business environment that creates both economic and social value. It intends to do so by informing businesses, enabling the exchange of experiences and strengthening cooperation with relevant organisations.

Oev added that these activities are meant to back social entrepreneurship while expanding opportunities for employment and meaningful labour market participation.