Nine bi-communal business partnerships share €500,000 at Stelios awards

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation recently distributed €500,000 to nine business partnerships comprised of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs. During the ceremony in Nicosia, President Nikos Christodoulides praised the initiative as a vital symbol of reconciliation and shared prosperity. He emphasized that these collaborations demonstrate the potential for peaceful coexistence and a unified future within the European Union. The top prize of €150,000 was awarded to Steven Stavrou and Burak Dolai, who have successfully operated joint ventures for a decade. The duo encouraged their fellow citizens to pursue cross-community cooperation immediately rather than waiting for a formal political settlement. Their work, which includes supporting young entrepreneurs and developing medical software, serves as a practical model for building mutual trust across the island.

The awards highlight the role of economic cooperation as a bridge for social reconciliation and a catalyst for peace-building efforts in the divided island of Cyprus.