The Cyprus Institute Signs Memorandum of Understanding With The Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO

On the 13th of June, The Cyprus Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of strategic significance with the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO. This MoU aims to deepen the collaboration between the CyI and the UNESCO National Commission across multiple sectors for the public good. This agreement emphasises joint initiatives in Culture, and Cultural Heritage, Education, Science, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. It represents a significant commitment to promoting UNESCO's principles and effectively implementing its conventions and priorities within Cyprus. APAC Labs have been and will be directly involved in this effort contributing to the interdisciplinary study, protection and valorization of cultural heritage, monuments and archaeological sites. 

The partnership will notably enhance Cyprus's active involvement in UNESCO programmes dedicated to both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, further enriching the nation's cultural landscape. A central priority of this MoU is combating the illicit trafficking and looting of cultural property, a pressing global issue where collective action and technological innovation can yield significant results.

The MoU was signed by Professor Stavros Malas, President of the Cyprus Institute, and Dr Marina Solomidou-Ieronymidou, President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, in the presence of Professor Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture, marking a new era of strengthened cooperation for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage and sustainable development in Cyprus. During the signing event, Professor Nikolas Bakirtzis, offered a brief presentation of a range of APAC Labs and STARC research on the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Cyprus.