The 16th edition of the Limassol Economic Forum took place on 24 October 2025 at the Parklane Resort & Spa, bringing together CEOs, senior business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and global strategists to navigate an increasingly volatile world and make informed decisions. Convening in Cyprus—a strategic crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa—the Forum explored how governments, institutions, and businesses can not only withstand disruption but also harness it as a catalyst for innovation. This year’s theme was “The Dawn of a New World Order: Global Diplomacy & International Relations, Security & Defence, and Economics Redefined. The Role of Europe. The Impact on Business.”
Once again, Elias Neocleous & Co LLC was proud to be one of the main sponsors, supporting a platform that fosters dialogue, innovation, and sustainable growth in Cyprus and beyond.
The session began with introductory remarks by Irene Piki (Deputy Minister to the President), who discussed how Cyprus is leveraging reform, investment, and institutional integrity to build a more robust, innovation-ready economy amidst a rapidly shifting global landscape.
A highlight of the Forum was the first panel discussion, “The World on Fire… Impact on Business.” Participating as panellists were our firm’s Managing Partner, Elias Neocleous, George A. Pantelides (Partner, Deloitte Cyprus), and Dr. Charis Pouangare (Deputy CEO & Chief of Business, Bank of Cyprus). The discussion was moderated by Yousef Gamal El-Din, host of You’re in Business.
In his remarks, Mr. Neocleous highlighted the challenges of today’s rapidly changing global landscape, where political, economic, and technological shifts often outpace law and regulation, making certainty increasingly rare. He emphasized that forward-thinking businesses must build optionality—the ability to act quickly when circumstances change—and resilience, in structural, cultural, and governance terms, making agility the new strategic advantage. He also noted that Europe, and Cyprus in particular, remains a trusted and stable bridge between East and West, combining structure with flexibility, where trust and integrity are invaluable assets. In this context, he stressed that values—not variables—define leadership.
Other highlights of the Forum included:
- Session 2 – Geopolitics, Diplomacy & International Relations:
Introduction and moderation by Yangos Hadjiyannis (CEO, CIM Cyprus Business School). Fireside chat with Annita Demetriou (President, House of Representatives, Cyprus) on Europe’s global role, presentation by Ambassador (ret.) Jonathan R. Cohen (RUSI / Atlantic Council) on “Towards a New International Security Architecture”, and a panel “Diplomacy in a Fragmented World: National Perspectives on Global Shifts” with ambassadors including H.E. Michael Tatham CMG (British High Commissioner to Cyprus) and H.E. Manish (High Commissioner of India to Cyprus) discussing shifting alliances and Cyprus’ strategic role. - Session 3 – Global & European Economics:
Keynote by Professor Larry Kramer (LSE) on “Beyond Neoliberalism”, panel “Europe’s Economy in Transition” with Christos Staikouras (Former Minister of Finance, Greece) and Harris Georgiades (Former Minister of Finance, Cyprus), and a fireside chat on government debt with Georgios C. Georgiou (Allianz Global Investors) and Michalis Persianis (Fiscal Council, Cyprus). - Session 4 – Security & Defence:
Presentations by Jamie Shea (Friends of Europe) on Europe’s strategic autonomy and Dr. Georgios Kolliarakis (EU P2P Export Control Programme) on technology, export controls, and defence. Panel discussion “The Future of European Defence & Security” included Jamie Shea, Dr. Kolliarakis, and Giuseppe Spatafora (EUISS).
The Limassol Economic Forum continues to serve as a hub for thought leadership. Elias Neocleous & Co LLC remains committed to supporting innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainable growth.
For more information, please reach out to your regular contact at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC.
