Insider
The ten-year Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America was signed today at the Presidential Palace, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, Red and White and the US Ambassador to Cyprus, Judith Garber.
The agreement underlines the importance of science and technology for sustainable development and social progress and aims to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities, to expand and expand relations between the two countries' extensive scientific and technological communities, and to promote scientific and technological development. technological cooperation in areas of common interest and mutual benefit.
In his speech, the Undersecretary stressed the importance of science and technology in tackling global challenges such as climate change, population aging and social inequalities.
“We deserve a greener, more sustainable, more digital and more prosperous future. “And we can achieve that, with close cooperation,” said the Undersecretary. Referring to the need to take advantage of the potential and comparative advantages of each side for mutual benefit, the Undersecretary added: “The ecosystems of our two countries integrate what we need in the world today to promote sustainable and inclusive development: skill sharing, fresh ideas, ambitious vision! What our scientists need from us is the right framework and the necessary tools to achieve faster and better quality results, with a real impact. And this is what this Agreement aims to do: to be a nucleus for achieving the above goal! “Through the Agreement, we seek to strengthen and facilitate our scientific and business community, to broaden its horizons beyond constraints and challenges, to have access to attractive opportunities and to be effectively involved in the local society and economy.”
The agreement was also welcomed by Erika Olson, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the State Department's Office of European and Eurasian Affairs, who emphasized that “science and technology are the driving force behind innovation, job creation and improvement.” contributing to global challenges such as the public health crisis and climate change. It expressed its appreciation to the Republic of Cyprus for its commitment to the main results of COP26 in Glasgow, including the “Global Methane Commitment”, as well as for the Climate Change Initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. He referred to the signing of the agreement as a “new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries, marked by the renewal of cooperation in scientific research and technological innovation. This agreement sets out the guiding principles for our future cooperation, based on mutual benefit and consistency, on the basis of common scientific values. It is a comprehensive roadmap – and a commitment – for a new era of scientific cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States. “
Both Mr. Kokkinos and Ms. Olson stressed the need to ensure equal access for both sexes to global scientific and technological development, emphasizing that the world can benefit greatly from the fresh, unique perspectives and experiences of women, which can catalyze the bridge between supply and demand in the labor market in the sectors, and turn them into dynamic drivers of innovation and transformation, taking advantage of the opportunities arising from this Agreement.
The ceremony ended with speeches by two distinguished Cypriot scientists, Ms. Marina Prokopi-Demitriadi and Ms. Vasiliki Kassianidou, who were invited to share their experiences, views and expectations, about the opportunities and challenges faced by women as to their involvement with science, as well as their suggestions for utilizing women's potential to strengthen the position of Cyprus as a regional hub of science, innovation and technology.
