Pafos Live 30 May 2023
For the first time in Cyprus and the wider region, a Local Authority, the Municipality of Pafos, takes the initiative to establish and operate a Network of Universities and Local Authorities, which will unite under the same vision and objectives the academic community, the young generation and the Local Government of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The Founding Assembly of the newly established Network, under the name "Regional Network of Universities and Cities", will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 6.00p.m. at Pafos Innovation Centre in Paphos.
The initiative belongs to the Mayor of Pafos, Phedon Phedonos, who will preside over the Founding Assembly.
This first meeting will be attended by the American University of Beirut, the University of Alexandria, the University of Jordan, the Birzeit University of Palestine, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Cyprus University of Technology as founding members. In addition, Neapolis University Pafos will participate with the status of associate partner.
On the cities side, the Founding Assembly will be attended by the Mayor of Amman, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, the Governor of Alexandria, the Governor of Beirut and the Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem.
The Regional Network of Universities and Cities will have its permanent seat in Paphos, thus enhancing the city's role as a centre of knowledge, innovation and culture in the wider region.
The Network is an essential step towards the active connection and cooperation of universities and their respective host cities to promote education, entrepreneurship and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region. The common belief of all founding members is the fact that Education and Education constitute the cornerstone for the development of culture, progress and prosperity of peoples and societies.
The main objectives of the Network are the dissemination and development of high quality Higher Education, the promotion of synergies and targeted actions for the dissemination of knowledge and experience, as well as the creation of new opportunities for economic development and progress. In addition, the Network will provide incentives and opportunities to reverse the outflow of excellent graduates abroad and repatriate scientists who originate from our countries and currently excel internationally. Through Education and Education, the members of the Network also aspire to play an important role in creating and consolidating conditions of peace, stability, sustainable development and prosperity in the region.
