Press Conference - British Council Report

British Council’s report on ‘The future of UK-Cyprus collaboration post-Brexit’ launched for the public

The British Council’s report on ‘The future of UK-Cyprus collaboration post-Brexit’ was presented at a press conference held on Thursday, 9 May 2019 by the Acting President of the Republic of Cyprus, HE Demetris Syllouris, the British High Commissioner Cyprus, HE Stephen Lillie, the Director Cyprus British Council, Mr. James Martin and the former Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Dr. Athena Michaelidou-Evripidou.

“The Future of UK-Cyprus collaboration post-Brexit” report was developed to identify concerns and solutions as well as to provide information on the future of transnational education between the UK and Cyprus, following the first Higher Education and Research Forum held in Nicosia last February. At the press conference, the main findings of the report were highlighted by the Director Cyprus British Council, Mr. James Martin who also stated how important it is to continue this discussion in order to close any gaps in provision of transnational education and optimise collaboration.

The Acting President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Syllouris stated that the forum in February “provided a unique and much needed opportunity for a vibrant and fruitful exchange of views between UK and Cyprus higher education policy makers and actors, in the backdrop of Brexit developments”. He assured his commitment and work, towards maintaining the higher education links among the UK and Cyprus while emphasizing the importance of this issue. “Cyprus, as member of both the EU and the Commonwealth, is in a unique position to seize opportunities arising after Brexit, for targeted collaborations with UK universities and institutions, to the benefit of both our countries”, Mr. Syllouris declared. 

Mr. Syllouris continued to note that “the House Standing Committee on Education and Culture in close collaboration with all parties concerned, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Culture, has acted swiftly in amending the relevant legislation, governing TNE and cross-border collaborative arrangements (franchises) with foreign universities, so as to avoid the creation of legal gaps and prevent vagueness or uneasiness as the UK prepares to leave the EU.” 

Stephen Lillie, British High Commissioner Cyprus also affirmed the importance given to maintain the strong links among Cyprus and the UK after Brexit and ensured that these will remain as bilateral links as well as through the Commonwealth networks. “This report demonstrates the opportunity to respond to the needs of the Cypriot economy through higher education and transnational education; and the British education can respond to that need in Cyprus”, confirmed the High Commissioner.

The importance given to higher education by the Ministry of Education and Culture, was emphasized by Dr. Athena Michaelidou-Evripidou, former Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. “Specific measures are planned to upgrade the sector and cope with the challenges we face. Uncertainties due to Brexit exist, however we will work in order to remain major collaborators with the UK for education opportunities, funding opportunities and research”, expressed Dr. Athena Michaelidou- Evripidou.

You can download British Council Report- The Future of UK-Cyprus Collaboration in the download section below.

 For more information on the report please contact Pantelitsa Michael at contact.education@cy.britishcouncil.org or 22585000.

 

HER Forum Photo
British Council Report- The Future of UK-Cyprus Collaboration

21 February 2019 - Summary of the 'Higher Education and Research Forum: The future of UK-Cyprus collaboration post-Brexit’

The ‘Higher Education and Research Forum: The future of UK-Cyprus collaboration post-Brexit’ held by the British Council 

Higher education experts from Cyprus and the UK discussed the collaboration of the higher education and research sectors post-Brexit at the first Higher Education and Research Forum organised by the British Council on February 2019 in Nicosia.

A delegation of nine Higher Education experts and representatives from the UK, including the Chief Executive of the British Council Sir Ciarán Devane, representatives from the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education as well as more than 25 higher education institutions and seven government departments from Cyprus attended the forum.

The forum, with more than 60 participants, was welcomed by Athena Michaelidou, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture on behalf of the Minister, the British High Commissioner to Cyprus Stephen Lillie CMG who commented on the excellent timing the Forum, and the Chief Executive of the British Council mentioning how ‘International collaboration bilaterally and multilaterally is a key part of the future’.

The Forum objectives were to examine the potential implications of Brexit on existing and future Transnational Education (TNE) opportunities in Cyprus, reinforce the long-standing educational connections that exist between the two countries, and ways to further strengthen and facilitate institutional collaborations between Cyprus and UK institutions.

The Forum’s presentations and panel discussions aimed at giving a better understanding of the current situation and emphasised on the following core areas:

  • Global and European dimensions of TNE including why and how TNE supports internationalisation of Higher Education with analysis on the landscape and TNE collaborations of Cyprus and UK Higher Education, now and after Brexit,
  • The opportunities for research collaboration post-Brexit and ways of developing models of cooperation that meet Cyprus UK priorities and needs,
  • How TNE is quality assured and the policy environment around its delivery in Cyprus.

The government of Cyprus clearly stated that establishing Cyprus as an educational destination is a strategic goal. It was noted that Cyprus is the fourth largest Transnational Education market in Europe and that transnational collaborations rank top in priorities of all Cypriot universities.  

The President of the Cyprus Rectors Conference Mr. George Demosthenous explained that during the last Rectors Conference meeting, there was a discussion on the prospects of an organised and ambitious policy of educational diplomacy towards targeted countries. 

Key findings on transnational education research produced by the British Council show that where TNE is delivered, most stakeholders, national governments and institutions delivering the programmes are optimistic about the future of Transnational Education.

The nine member delegation from the UK also had the opportunity to visit higher education institutions already involved in transnational education with the UK as well as attend a networking dinner with stakeholders, organized by Invest Cyprus (CIPA). 

Considering all the initiatives, opportunities, challenges and concerns post Brexit, a number of recommendations and suggestions have been put forward which will be included in the Higher Education and Research Forum Report, a publication which will be produced by the British Council over the upcoming weeks.

You can download British Council Report- The Future of UK-Cyprus Collaboration in the download section below.

You can follow this event using the hashtag #HERForumCY 

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