Good governance is the cornerstone of Cyprus’ ambitious digital transformation, according to Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Speaking at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit 2025 in Nicosia on Thursday, she outlined the government’s vision for a new governance model that prioritises people, trust, and innovation.
- Ultimately, he expressed pride in Cyprus’ intellectual and human capital, stating, “We’re a small country, but we can do it. We just need to think positively.”
Good governance: Modernising Governance for the 21st Century
Piki emphasised that the government is actively modernising its institutions and simplifying procedures to ensure accountability in daily decision-making. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of governance and foster a sense of real change among citizens.
“When people hear the phrase ‘digital transformation’, they often think of technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence,” she stated. “For me, it is about people.” Piki illustrated this point with relatable examples, such as a citizen renewing a permit or a small business owner applying for a licence online. These processes reflect a governance system that is efficient, transparent, fair, and results-oriented.
Embedding Accountability and Citizen Engagement
Piki explained that such transformative change is intentional, driven by a determination to redefine governance for contemporary needs. “Every initiative is now monitored, measured and digitally connected,” she noted, detailing the establishment of a new secretariat for coordination and support at the presidency.
The online platform diakivernisi.gov.cy has been launched to allow citizens to track government implementations and ongoing projects. This platform also provides an avenue for citizens to submit ideas and feedback, transforming participation and dialogue into improved decision-making.
Setting Ambitious Goals for 2025
Declaring 2025 as “the year of digital transformation,” Piki outlined the government’s focus on reducing bureaucracy, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting transparency. Under the guidance of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, President Christodoulides’ vision is being translated into concrete actions, including advancements in cybersecurity, data governance, and digital skills.
“Digital transformation is part of a wider process, that of a state learning to reform,” she added, highlighting initiatives like the new Business Support Centre, which acts as a single point of contact for investors and businesses. This centre aims to streamline processes and attract investment by enhancing transparency.
Streamlining Processes and Protecting Integrity
Among the notable reforms is a fast-track licensing system that expedites building permits from months to weeks. Additionally, a special sanctions unit has been created to uphold the integrity of the economy. Piki described these efforts as essential steps toward making Cyprus a nation where effective governance allows businesses to flourish and citizens can genuinely perceive change.
Engaging Cypriots Abroad and Global Technology Leaders
The ‘Minds in Cyprus’ initiative was also highlighted, which seeks to engage Cypriots living abroad and international experts to contribute their skills and creativity back to Cyprus. Piki noted that Cyprus is increasingly recognised by global technology leaders, referencing President Christodoulides’ visit to the United States last April. This initiative aims to bring cutting-edge technology and investment to the island.
“The future is not built in isolation; it is built through collaboration, reliability, and trust,” she remarked, pointing out the importance of connecting local talent with international networks.
Preparing for EU Presidency and Advancing Digital Policies
As Cyprus gears up to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1, 2026, Piki described the country’s goal to promote Europe’s digital agenda, ensuring that innovation serves citizens and strengthens trust while safeguarding human rights. “We will focus on ensuring that Europe’s digital policies move from vision to implementation,” she affirmed.
Trust as the Foundation of Transformation
Piki concluded by reiterating the essence of digital transformation: while it encompasses technology, it fundamentally revolves around trust. “Good governance is the best innovation of all,” she said, underscoring the importance of demonstrating that government can evolve and that public service can be flexible.
Acknowledging Cyprus’ Potential in Innovation
Former Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, also spoke at the summit, noting that this year’s event gathered a record 1,500 participants from Cyprus and abroad, featuring 38 speakers. He stressed the conference’s goal of transforming information into wisdom and positioning Cyprus on the map of knowledge.
Cyprus ranks highly in European innovation indexes, with its technology sector contributing nearly 15 per cent of GDP. Kokkinos highlighted that this year’s theme, ‘Beyond Artificial Intelligence’, emphasises a human-centric approach to technology, underscoring that innovation should serve humanity rather than replace it. “We want to discuss smarter innovation and the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence,” he explained.
Ultimately, he expressed pride in Cyprus’ intellectual and human capital, stating, “We’re a small country, but we can do it. We just need to think positively.”
