At the Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony of the School of Economics and Management for the 2025–2026 academic year, the Universal Life Excellence Award was presented to Ioannis Hadjittofas in recognition of his remarkable academic performance. The award was presented by Universal Life Senior Marketing Officer, Ms. Nikolina Nicolaou.

The Photos Photiades Homes Award was presented to Alkinoos Ioannis Ioannides in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement. The prize was awarded by the General Manager of the Photos Photiades Homes, Mr. Christos Christou, underlining the company’s commitment to celebrate academic accomplishment and encourage young people to pursue excellence, innovation and lifelong learning.

Universal Life will continue to support initiatives that promote knowledge, foster excellence, and create greater opportunities for the younger generation, making a meaningful contribution to the prosperity of Cypriot society.

For the fifth consecutive year, Photos Photiades Homes participated in the Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Cyprus, presenting its annual award to the top undergraduate graduate of the Department of Architecture.

The Photos Photiades Homes Award was presented to Alkinoos Ioannis Ioannides in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement. The prize was awarded by the General Manager of the Photos Photiades Homes, Mr. Christos Christou, underlining the company’s commitment to celebrate academic accomplishment and encourage young people to pursue excellence, innovation and lifelong learning.

The Photos Photiades Group extends its warmest congratulations to Alkinoos Ioannis Ioannides, as well as to all the students honored during the ceremony, and wishes them every success in their future academic and professional endeavors.

At the Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Cyprus for the 2025–2026 academic year, the Photos Photiades Foundation Award was presented to Costas Constantinou in acknowledgement of his outstanding academic performance. The award was presented by the President of the Photos Photiades Foundation, Mrs. Ilona Photiadou Michaelidou, highlighting the Foundation’s continued commitment to celebrating and encouraging academic excellence.

The Foundation firmly believes that investing in education is an investment in society. By celebrating academic achievement, it seeks to inspire young people to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

The Photos Photiades Foundation warmly congratulates Costas Constantinou on this well-deserved distinction and extends its congratulations to all students honored during the ceremony. The Foundation wishes them continued success in their academic pursuits and every achievement in their future careers.

The Foundation believes that investing in education and supporting talented young people are essential to build a brighter future. Through these Awards, it honours academic excellence and encourages the next generation to pursue their aspirations with dedication and confidence.

This year’s award for the Top Undergraduate Graduate was presented to Eleni Menelaou (BEd in Pre-primary Education), while the award for the Top Postgraduate Graduate was presented to Maro Kliridou (MSc Advanced Health Care).

The Photos Photiades Foundation extends its warmest congratulations to both award recipients on their outstanding achievements and wishes το all students every success in their future academic and professional endeavours.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Park of Poets and Intellectual Creators in Engomi, bringing together public officials, representatives of local government, members of the artistic community, and family and friends of the late musician. The event served as a tribute to Yasemides’ remarkable artistic journey and his enduring contribution to the cultural life of Cyprus.

The memorial now stands as a lasting honor to a creator who devoted his life to artistic expression. Beyond commemorating his achievements, it serves as point of reference for future generations offering an opportunity to engage with the work and legacy of a musician whose influence continues to resonate across Cyprus’ cultural landscape.

Among those attending the ceremony were Commissioner for Citizens’ Rights Marios Hartsiotis, Member of Parliament Demetris Demetriou, Deputy Mayors Panikos Constantinou and Constantinos Yiangos, representatives of the Church, cultural and social organisations, as well as members of the Yasemides family and numerous friends and collaborators of the late musician.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Foundation, its President, Mrs Ilona Photiadou Michaelidou, highlighted the importance of preserved cultural memory and recognising individuals whose work has enriched the cultural identity of Cyprus.

Michalakis Yasemides was a distinctive figure in Cypriot music. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, he dedicated his life to the art he loved, using music as a means of bringing people, experiences and cultures together. His work and artistic journey remains an important part of Cyprus’ cultural heritage and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and creators.

Through its support of initiatives that celebrate and preserve the legacy of significant cultural figures, the Photos Photiades Foundation continues to contribute meaningfully/να φύγει to the preservation of collective memory and the promotion of Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage for future generations.

The environmental initiative “Keep Growing” by Johnnie Walker Black Label & Diageo, in collaboration with PPD Global, was successfully completed through a symbolic yet meaningful reforestation action aimed at supporting the restoration of Cyprus’ fire-affected areas.

The exhibition brought Cyprus’ rich archaeological heritage to the forefront of European academic and cultural discourse, highlighting the latest discoveries from the renowned Sanctuary of Aphrodite at ancient Idalion. Developed through the long-standing collaboration between Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Cyprus, the exhibition showcased the achievements of the Berlin Idalion Project, an interdisciplinary research initiative that has generated significant new insights into one of the island’s most important ancient cult sites.

Based on recent advances in archaeological methodologies and digital technologies, the exhibition presented the results of the project through three-dimensional reconstructions, 3D-printed objects and innovative curatorial approaches based on finds from the sanctuary. Visitors were offered a unique opportunity to explore the sanctuary and engage with the findings of cutting-edge archaeological research conducted in Cyprus, while experiencing how new technologies are transforming the study, preservation and presentation of cultural heritage.

Beyond its archaeological significance, the initiative underscored the value of international scientific collaboration in advancing research and expanding public access to knowledge. Presented at one of Europe’s leading academic institutions, the exhibition strengthened the international visibility of Cypriot scholarship and highlighted the historical importance of Idalion within the wider cultural and religious landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The exhibition opening was attended by the President of the Photos Photiades Foundation, Mrs Ilona Photiadou Michaelidou, alongside distinguished representatives of the academic and diplomatic communities. Speakers included Professor Giorgos Papasavvas of the University of Cyprus, Professor Stephan G. Schmid of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Professor Philip van der Eijk, representing the Board of the Berliner Antike-Kolleg, and H.E. Maria Papakyriakou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Germany.

By supporting initiatives with international reach, the Photos Photiades Foundation continues to invest in education, culture and international engagement, contributing to the promotion of Cyprus as a country with a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant academic community and a meaningful presence in global scientific and cultural dialogue.

The Re-Genesis Kick-Off ceremony brought together our leadership team and strategic partners and marked the beginning of a shared commitment- to evolve how we operate, collaborate and grow.

Transformation is not just about systems or processes. It is about people, vision and the shared drive to build a more stronger future.

Re-Genesis: Evolving the Core. Powering the Future.

3,000 trees were planted as part of the CSR initiative “Keep Growing,” with the support of the local community and volunteers.

The environmental initiative “Keep Growing” by Johnnie Walker Black Label & Diageo, in collaboration with PPD Global, was successfully completed through a symbolic yet meaningful reforestation action aimed at supporting the restoration of Cyprus’ fire-affected areas.

On April 19, a tree-planting event took place in the village of Lofou, an area heavily affected by the devastating wildfires of summer 2025. Employees and partners of PPD Global, as well as local residents and volunteers, joined forces to help restore the area’s forest environment.

During the initiative, 3,000 trees were planted, contributing to biodiversity enhancement and the gradual restoration of the region’s natural ecosystem.

The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the volunteer organization YouReForest Cyprus.

Through targeted actions in supermarkets and participating cocktail bars and pubs across Cyprus, the public had the opportunity to actively contribute to the campaign.

Specifically, for every bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label purchased from Athienitis, Smart, MAS, Ioannides, and Metro supermarkets, as well as for every Black Label-based cocktail ordered at participating cocktail bars and pubs, Johnnie Walker donated €3 toward the planting of one tree.

Participating venues:

• Nicosia: Theory, To Potopoleio, and Henry’s Resto Bar
• Limassol: Trippers, Cinema, and Sherlock’s
• Larnaca: Noesis, Savino, Old Market, and Tachydromio
• Famagusta: Liquid and Mouseio Kafeneio
• Paphos: Roofbar

In a statement, Olga Karakokkinou, Marketing Manager of the Photos Photiades Group, said:

“The ‘Keep Growing’ initiative is a meaningful reminder that small collective actions can have a real impact on the environment. We are especially pleased that, together with partners, volunteers, and the local community, we contributed to the restoration effort of an area affected by the wildfires. The public response was truly moving and proves that when we join forces, we can create positive change for the environment and future generations.”

This initiative follows a prior symbolic action, where guests were given the opportunity to ‘adopt’ a tree. This commitment has now been fulfilled through tree planting, supporting the enhancement of the local natural environment.

Members of the Photos Photiades Breweries team actively participated in the activity, confirming that the “Epilogi” programme is not just a sustainability strategy, but a way of operating across the entire organization. Company partners, as well as members of the municipal staff, also took part.

Through such initiatives, the company continues to operate Responsibly by Choice, creating a positive impact on both the environment and society, while promoting environmental awareness.

Speaking about the initiative, the Corporate Affairs Manager of the Photos Photiades Group, Ms. Andri Saourou, stated among other: “Sustainability is a long-term commitment with specific goals up to 2040, aiming at the substantial reduction of the company’s and the Group’s environmental footprint, as protecting nature is our first choice.”

The Mayor of South Nicosia–Idalion, Mr. Stavros Hadjigiannis, expressed appreciation to the company and emphasized that the Group serves as a model of green industry and an inspiration for other organizations. He also wish and invite other organizations to follow the company’s and the Group’s example for a better future for the next generations.

A milestone on the journey to a zero footprint

With impressive results and pioneering initiatives, Photos Photiades Breweries presented its major achievements under the green program “Epilogi” (Choice) at a special event. The company has achieved an 87% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to 2023, while its brewery now ranks among the very few worldwide that cover all of their energy needs—both electrical and thermal—exclusively from renewable energy sources.

As part of the “Epilogi” program, the company also implements comprehensive circular economy practices, manages 100% of its solid and liquid waste, uses recyclable packaging and bottles that are reused more than 30 times, and sources 70% of the malt it uses from sustainable farming practices. The ISO 50001 certification, along with awards such as “Golden Environmental Protector” and the Green Keg Champion Award, confirm Photos Photiades Breweries’ commitment to the path toward a green and responsible brewery.

In his address, the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, praised the work of the Photos Photiades Group, emphasizing that the “Epilogi” initiative serves as a model for the Cypriot industry, proving that “the green transition is not an obstacle to growth, but a tool for enhancing competitiveness.”

For his part, the General Manager of Photos Photiades Breweries, Mr. Giorgos Ierodiakonou, proudly presented the results of the company’s and its team’s sustainability commitments, noting among other things that the brewery has now succeeded in covering 100% of its total energy needs—both electrical and thermal—exclusively from clean, renewable energy sources, including biomethane.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company and the Photos Photiades Group, Mr. Pavlos Photiades, announced the new ambitious targets of Photos Photiades Breweries: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, carbon negativity by 2040, as well as a 40% reduction in water consumption by 2040.

The CEO of the Carlsberg Group, Mr. Jacob Aarup-Andersen, on his first visit to Cyprus as head of the Danish Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership with Photos Photiades Breweries, noting that “on the journey toward sustainable development, Photos Photiades Breweries and Cyprus are a source of inspiration.”

Continuing, Mr. Andersen praised the company’s performance, stating that “Photos Photiades Breweries has achieved milestones that very few breweries in the world can reach, operating exclusively on renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions at the brewery by 87% in just two years—an achievement that is truly impressive.”

The event concluded with a symbolic and meaningful message of participation. Upon departure, guests had the opportunity to “adopt” a tree sapling, which Photos Photiades Breweries will undertake to plant. In this way, the company actively contributes to the enhancement of green spaces and promotes a culture of environmental awareness.

The event was held in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides; the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou; the CEO of the Carlsberg Group, Mr. Jacob Aarup-Andersen, and other executives of the Danish Group; the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr. George Papanastasiou; Members of Parliament; representatives of the business community; and members of the media.