On this page

1. Governance

2. Cross-sectorial cooperation

Governance

On governmental level, the most important body for defining policies on youth contribution to global processes and other related issues is the Cyprus Council of Ministers, which approves all important decisions. 

The European and International Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Office of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth oversees Cyprus’ participation in European and international affairs, focusing on education, sport, and youth. It manages lifelong learning and adult education policies, coordinates the National Lifelong Learning Strategy (2021-2027), and ensures the quality and effectiveness of related programs. The Office also monitors EU and international commitments, aligns policies with national priorities, coordinates Ministerial participation in EU Councils, and facilitates official visits and diplomatic engagements. Additionally, it collaborates with EU institutions to promote educational initiatives on European values and policies.

Moreover, among the responsibilities and aims of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is  to consistently promote the respect of human rights. Specifically, the Human Rights Unit of the Ministry, elaborates, recommends and forms actions and initiatives aimed at further promoting the principles of respect for human rights and strengthening the institutional framework for their exercise. The first National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights  was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2021. In the action plans of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Human Rights were one of the strategic objectives. Specifically, these included child-friendly justice, strengthening the protection framework for vulnerable groups and promoting equality while combating gender-based violence.

In addition, various other public authorities are involved in international cooperation and activities for young people according to the topic of interest, such as the Office of the  Commissioner for the Environment (Γραφείο Επιτρόπου Περιβάλλοντος), the Directorate General Growth of the Ministry of Finance which is the coordinating body for Sustainable Development topics, the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development (Μονάδα Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη) which is a horizontal structure of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Youth Board of Cyprus as the competent public body for youth affairs. 

Cross-sectorial cooperation

The National Youth Strategy 2017-2022 incorporates the mechanism for cross-sectoral cooperation between Ministries, Departments, Agencies involved in defining policies and measures regarding youth's contribution to global processes of policy-making, implementation and follow-up, including youth cooperation at the global level. The same mechanism will be incorporated into the next National Youth Strategy 2025–2030, which is expected to be published in 2026.