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1. Information providers / counselling structures

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

3. Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

4. Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Information providers / counselling structures

The main public authority responsible for disseminating information about democratic rights and democratic values for young people is the Youth Board of Cyprus. Specifically, young people can access information via the Youth Multicentres (Πολύκεντρα Νεολαίας) and the European Youth Portal of the European Commission which is powered by the European Youth Information Network Eurodesk.

The main public authority responsible citizen participation in general is l, is the Office of the Commissioner of the Citizens (Γραφείο Επιτρόπου του Πολίτη). Its primary objective is to coordinate initiatives that enhance citizen participation in decision-making processes, promote active citizenship and participatory democracy, and implement policies and programmes that foster a culture of civic engagement. Additionally, it aims to empower civil society and develop new mechanisms for collaboration between citizens and the government.

There is not a top-level framework for youth information and counselling structures in Cyprus besides the standards set by the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) and the European youth information network Eurodesk which is funded by the EU. These youth information and counselling services receive public financial support from the Republic of Cyprus.  The  Youth Board of Cyprus is a member of ERYICA since 1999. The organisation also acts as  the multiplier of  Eurodesk Cyprus. 

Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

There are no large-scale, youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and/or democratic values. However, as part of the preparations for the 2024 Elections of Local Government Authorities, School Board Members, and Members of the European Parliament, held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Press and Information Office, launched an information campaign to encourage new voter registration. The campaign primarily targeted young voters, aiming to enhance their participation in the democratic process, and included digital and media outreach. 

Additionally, the Cyprus Youth Council implemented the #BeTheChange campaign during the 2023 Presidential Elections to encourage young people to participate in the electoral process and reduce youth abstention. As part of the initiative, young people were invited to submit questions on issues that concern them, which were later addressed by presidential candidates in short interviews.

Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

Intercultural dialogue among young people is promoted through bi-communal youth activities that encourage interaction and cooperation between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth. These initiatives are supported, among others, through the Youth Initiatives Project (see Section 5.6 on Public Financial Support), which provides funding for activities that foster dialogue and cooperation between the two communities. 

In addition, various non-governmental bodies organise initiatives aimed at strengthening communication and cooperation between the two youth communities, such as the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the Home for Cooperation. 

Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

There are no policy frameworks or guidelines on transparent public communication targeting young people in Cyprus.

There are no national or large-scale programmes or initiatives on providing training for policy-makers at various levels on suitable and youth-tailored communication.