The establishment and operation of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts is a milestone in the history of the country, said on Wednesday the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Wednesday evening at the installation ceremony of the President and the presentation of the first Academy Senate at the Municipal Theatre.

"Today is a milestone for the academic events of our country and beyond. The establishment and operation of the Academy, the Supreme Intellectual Foundation of Cyprus, the home of the most distinguished scientists, scholars and artists, is undoubtedly a milestone in the history of our country".

The President said that the Government has been a fervent supporter and supporter of the Academy from the beginning.

"Its contribution to the country, despite its short operation, is invaluable and our goal is to further cooperate and utilize the expertise and wisdom of all members of the Academy on issues that concern our society, with particular emphasis on the four key priority areas: Health, Education, Digital Transformation and the Green transition of our country", he added.

He further said that these areas are a priority for his government and aims to involve experts and stakeholders as much as possible in the wider decision-making process.

The President thanked the outgoing transitional administration of the Cyprus Academy, with Loukas Christoforou first President and then Andreas Demetriou, as well as the newly elected Council, chaired by Professor Achilleas Emilianides, and the members of the first Senate, who, as he said, are all distinguished personalities with academic credentials and international recognition in the field of Science, Arts and Letters.

In his speech, the President of the Academy, Achilleas Emilianides, said that in a country where skepticism and frustration often prevail and where citizens are anxiously looking for role models, the role of the Academy is both useful and necessary.

He added that achieving the Academy's mission includes short, medium and long-term goals that require significant time, effort and vision to be achieved.