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It is with great pleasure that I attend and address, on behalf of the President of the Republic, the 49th Ordinary Congress of the Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions (PofEN). My presence here is practical proof of the special importance that the State attaches to the issues that concern the young people of our country, in whose faces we recognise the citizens and scientists of tomorrow, who will contribute to the development, prosperity and progress of our society and our country. At the same time, my presence emphasizes our appreciation of the action and work carried out by POFEN, for the benefit of the student community and Higher Education in Cyprus.
POFEN, from its foundation in 1973 until today, has demonstrated significant work in terms of asserting the demands of the students of our country, as well as the formulation of policies in the field of education. A work that is highly appreciated, and which, as evidenced by our close cooperation, we support and strengthen in every possible way.
Counting on you, the members of the Federation, as our important partners in achieving the goal of upgrading higher education in our country, your views, concerns and suggestions are taken seriously into account in the planning and implementation of targeted actions that we implement.
In this context, the Government remains committed to the continuous support of the university education offered, so that it can provide tomorrow's citizens with the specialized knowledge and training they need to become protagonists in the collective effort for a competitive and innovative economy, but also for a better society and a higher quality of life. To this end, we are implementing a specific strategy, with actions and policies aimed at further developing and upgrading Higher Education in Cyprus, with the involvement of a total of five Ministries.
One of the main priorities of this Strategy is the emergence of our country as a regional and international centre of education and research, through the internationalisation of Higher Education and the attraction of foreign students.
To this end, ensuring the quality of Higher Education is an important parameter. The establishment and operation of the Quality Assurance and Certification Body for Higher Education is recognized as crucial. The evaluation and accreditation of all curricula is carried out by international committees of renowned experts, on the basis of quality criteria set by International Accreditation Organisations.
Another important priority is the modernization of the legal framework governing Higher Education in our country, so that our Institutions operate on the basis of modern, flexible and decentralized procedures and, at the same time, ensure their quality and accountability. Our aim is to address the mismatches observed between supply and demand in terms of skills and qualifications. The results of the first cycle of the National Graduate Follow-up Survey for 2022 have already been published, while the report of the comparative results of the European Graduate Follow-up Survey "Eurograduate 2022" will be published soon. Data collection for the second cycle of the National Graduate Follow-up Survey is currently being completed and data collection for the first cycle of the National Employer Survey has started. We hope that by the beginning of 2025 the results of all three surveys will be published, which will be a useful tool for shaping our policies, but also the policies of our Universities, in relation to their Study Programmes.
In addition, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth attaches particular importance to the promotion of the European University Network, which is the future of Europe's universities.
In addition, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth attaches particular importance to the promotion of the institution of the European University Network, which is the future of Europe's universities. For this purpose, the State supports the Universities of Cyprus, both public and private, which secure, through highly competitive procedures, their participation in the European University Network.
At the same time, recognizing the importance of mobility and knowledge exchange in relation to research and scientific activity, we have developed on a broader level the synergies both between our country's universities and with universities abroad.
At the same time, recognizing the importance of mobility and knowledge exchange, in relation to research and scientific activity, we have developed on a wider level the synergies both between our country's universities and with universities abroad. At the same time, we support cooperation between universities, ministries, public services and other bodies.
In addition, I would like to note that, taking into account your concerns and seeking to solve the problems you face, we are implementing measures to help manage them. In particular, the State, through the Student Welfare Service, which has now been purposefully transferred to the Ministry of Finance, provides student sponsorship and student allowances to beneficiaries on the basis of specific criteria and procedures established by the Council of Ministers. In addition, a specific amount is allocated from the student sponsorship budget to provide student grants to families of Greek students studying in Cyprus and to repatriated families of Cypriot students studying in Cyprus or abroad.
Dear students,
From the podium of the POFEN Conference, I welcome the excellent progress made in recent years by Higher Education in our country. Besides, it is no coincidence that in recent years there has been a strong interest from foreigners and Cypriots to invest in Higher Education in Cyprus, with multidimensional benefits for our country and a significant boost to our economy. In this context and in an effort to further upgrade Higher Education, the Government is promoting a bill to regulate the establishment and operation of branches of foreign universities in Cyprus. It is important to mention that more than half of the students who choose Cyprus for their higher education come from other countries of the European Union or from Third Countries.
It is precisely this level of quality Higher Education, which we have achieved together with the academic institutions of our country and your assistance as a student community, that we seek to raise even higher. In the same context, we will continue to work in order to offer you the necessary guarantees that will enhance your personal development, while creating the necessary prospects that will contribute to your progress and prosperity.
In conclusion, I congratulate PofEN both for holding today's Conference and for the rich activity and the important work that it carries out. I assure you that the Government and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth will continue to stand by your side, supporting and assisting you in your work.
Thank you.
(NYAN/MS)
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