Source: CNA
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder and president of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, awarded 10 bi-communal teams, consisting of 10 Greek Cypriot and 10 Turkish Cypriot business people, who stood out in the “Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation 2023”. Each team member wins a cash prize of €10,000. The award ceremony and announcement of the ten winning teams took place online on 21 March 2023, where Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou congratulated the winners via zoom.
This year, 46 groups of Greek and Turkish Cypriots (92 participants in total) submitted their joint application to participate in the “Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation 2023”. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou offered 200,000 euros to the 10 best business proposals. It is worth noting that the total value of the Awards granted by the Stelios Foundation since 2009 now totals 4,190,000 euros (including this year’s 200,000 euros prize).
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou stated that he is very happy "because, despite the adverse climate on the island, we received 92 applications, a very satisfactory number, given the current situation." He added, "The 20 awardees proved once again that there is the possibility of bi-community cooperation in Cyprus, which is made even easier by the new era of teams and zoom, as it reduces the need for unnecessary travel to a minimum. My congratulations to the 20 winners, who overcame many obstacles, and with their cooperation are promoting lasting peace on the island."
