Held in May, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum (CDF) is a four-day gathering on the island of Aphrodite, fast becoming a strategic hub for the global Cypriot diaspora. Neos Kosmos spoke with Melbourne-based Filli Kaoulas, the Forum’s Vice President and Australia–New Zealand Country Manager, whose story reflects the grit, determination, and vision driving the CDF.
Surgical technician becomes global advocate
Kaoulas trained for three years as a surgical technician while caring for her husband during his battle with a brain tumour. A mother of two—a daughter, 27, completing a PhD in Drug Discovery, and a son, 25, a skilled carpenter—Kaoulas is powered by resilience. Amid life’s demands, she stepped into a leadership role on the international stage.
The Forum, she says, is “the brainchild of Paul Lambis”, a screenwriter, playwright, and director—himself a member of the diaspora, born in Johannesburg and now based in Paphos.
“I met Paul in 2023 at a women’s conference in Limassol,” Kaoulas says.
“He shared his vision for a global forum, and I immediately understood its potential. I asked, ‘How can I help?’ The rest is history. As Paul says, ‘You bloody Aussies are special.'”
From Cyprus to the world: United by spirit, guided by vision
Lambis’ works 74 and Melina: The Last Greek Goddess earned international acclaim—Melina won first prize at New York’s United Solo Theatre Festival in 2018 and was named Best International Show on Broadway. His vision of uniting Cypriots from the worlds of business, media, and the arts deeply resonated with Kaoulas. Kaoulas herself was born in Limassol and arrived in Australia as a child. Asked why the term “Cypriot” is used rather than “Greek Cypriot,” she is clear.
“Cyprus is an independent island nation. The diaspora includes both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. It’s time we reflect that reality.”
For Kaoulas, the Forum affirms the vital role of the diaspora in shaping Cyprus’s future through innovation, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and culture. The 2025 Forum drew leading Cypriots from across the globe: Peter Aabraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer in Abu Dhabi; Dr. Panteli Theocharous, Chief Therapeutics Officer in the UK; Anita Demetriou, President of the Cypriot House of Representatives; actor and creator Simon Kassianides; UK-based designer and entrepreneur Mustafa Afsaroglu; and South African-born author Despo Pavlou, now residing in Cyprus.
Cyprus at the crossroads of civilisation
“This is what Cyprus has done for 5,000 years,” Kaoulas says. “It sits at the crossroads of Greece, the Middle East, Asia Minor, Africa, and Europe. We’re just half an hour from Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.”
Cyprus has been a pivot for trade and civilisation since the Bronze Age. Now, Kaoulas argues, it must be recognised as a political, cultural, and economic hinge in the southeastern Mediterranean.
She envisions Cyprus as a “hub for business, culture, and lifestyle,” with a unique geographic position linking East and West. She also emphasises the island’s deep connections with the Anglosphere, particularly Great Britain and Australia.
“Paul gets it, coming from South Africa. I’m Australian—we understand the nuance of Anglosphere cultures. The Forum is a bridge.”
“There’s a powerful connectivity between Cyprus, the UK, and Australia and when harnessed, it can be extraordinarily influential. “At a time of global instability, with wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Cyprus wants to prove it can be everyone’s friend—and the diaspora can help make that happen.”
Kaoulas sees change on the island. “Younger generations want peace and prosperity. They want their education and skills to be use in Cyprus—not to leave for jobs overseas like before.”
She highlights Cyprus’s multilingual, globally literate population:
“English is spoken everywhere. Thirty years ago, I spoke Greek with my cousins. Now they speak to me in English—and I tell them to speak Greek!”
Australia–Cyprus: Building bridges across continents
Kaoulas is working to build partnerships with the Federated Cypriot Communities of Australia and New Zealand, as well as other like-minded bodies. While business and trade are key, she also wants to strengthen cultural and media ties.
“I met a phenomenal fashion designer at the Forum—I’m now trying to connect them in Sydney. I want to discover all the Cypriot-Australian talent out there.”
Under the Forum’s banner, the CYDIA Awards honour outstanding members of the diaspora. In 2025, the late George Michael was posthumously recognised.
“It was beautiful… tears streamed down everyone’s faces. No one in Cyprus had officially recognised him before. We were the first.”
Kaoulas points to the CDF as a mentor for younger Cypriots. The Forum provides invaluable networking opportunities. She hopes to secure more Australian sponsorship—and even support from DFAT.
“We are an excellent bridge to the region and as Australian-Cypriots, we can facilitate connections that benefit both Cyprus and Australia.”
In a world of conflict and shifting alliances diplomacy is necessary if still fragile and for Kaoulas the Cyprus Diaspora Forum is a hopeful, human-centred strategy for connection, resilience, and peace in the region.
For more information go to: www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com
