In a historic moment for higher education in Cyprus, on May 5th, 2025, the Rectors of all the universities in the country signed a common Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening and promoting equality, inclusion, and acceptance of diversity. The ceremony took place at the University of Cyprus, in the presence of the Commissioner for Gender Equality of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Josie Christodoulou.
The signing of the Memorandum marked the culmination of a coordinated effort initiated by the Office of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion of the University of Cyprus. Its purpose is to establish a common dialogue and outline a collective strategy on issues of equality and diversity within the academia. Among other things, the cooperation envisions the exchange of expertise and best practices, the implementation of joint educational and other initiatives, the networking of staff and departments, and participation in research projects with related topics.
The following institutions signed the Memorandum: The University of Cyprus, the Open University of Cyprus, the European University Cyprus, the University of Limassol, the University of Nicosia, Neapolis University, the Cyprus University of Technology, the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo, the American University of Cyprus, Frederick University, Philips University, and UCLan Cyprus.
The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides, described the signing of the Memorandum as “a substantial and coordinated step towards the institutional safeguarding of equality, which is a fundamental responsibility for every modern university. Universities have the role of shaping active citizens. Promoting equality contributes to enhancing the values of justice, acceptance, and respect for diversity. This Memorandum is an explicit confirmation of our institutions’ commitment to a cohesive framework that strengthens democracy and social justice. At a time when the global academic community is under pressure, today’s action also represents a form of moral support for the institutional role universities are called to fulfil.”
The Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms Josie Christodoulou, emphasized that promoting gender equality is a social necessity and an institutional priority. “The Memorandum of Cooperation can act as a catalyst for shaping policies and actions aimed at combating gender-based violence in the academic environment and fostering a culture of equality. Today marks the beginning of a systematic and collective action. We are at a critical historical juncture where equality between women and men must cease to be an assertion and become an institutional norm.”
This common commitment opens new horizons for collaboration, reinforcing institutional cohesion and shifting the culture of universities towards an even more inclusive and fair academic environment.