The CEO and President of the Council of European University Cyprus, Dr. Christoforos Hadjikyprianou, participated in the 16th Economist Cyprus Conference held today in a panel discussion with European Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides, Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Ierotheos Papadopoulos, and President of the Panhellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industries, Theodore Tryfon.
Dr. Hadjikyprianou referred to the pressure under which the world of higher education in Europe and more specifically in Cyprus were placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but pointed to how swiftly universities were able to adapt. He elaborated on the challenges and opportunities that still lie ahead for universities in terms of their operational model, the technological adaptations that are taking place, the shift to scientific research, and the effect on academics and students alike.
At a time when Cyprus is reconsidering its economic model and not just because of the pandemic, Dr. Hadjikyprianou recalled the significance and sustainability of the education sector in shaping a country’s economic outlook and called for new thinking and a holistic approach. He said this was a time for society – governments, the business community and the public at large – to put their faith back into the concept of Knowledge, into education and science and into research and innovation.
