From 26 to 29 August, Nicosia hosted the 22nd gathering of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) alongside the International CFrom 26 to 29 August, Nicosia hosted the 22nd gather of the World Federation of Oversaeas Cypriots(POMAK alongside the International Coordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus" (PSEKA) and the Executive Council of the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK).
More than 150 delegates convened from eight diaspora branches in Cyprus, drawing a broad slate of community leaders and organisations. Christos Karaolis, president of the Cypriot Federation in the UK since 2015, partner at Bain & Company in London, and newly elected president of POMAK, set out clear priorities for the year ahead.
The agenda cantered on three tracks: supporting efforts “to restart talks on the Cyprus issue”, advancing Cyprus’ growing regional role and its relationships with the UK and US (including investment links further afield), and preparing for Cyprus’ upcoming EU presidency in coordination with government officials. “Over 150 delegates across our 8 member branches present here in Cyprus”, he noted, underscoring both scale and momentum.
Christos’ election also marks a generational shift inside the overseas Cypriots' leadership. He emphasised that leadership is now reflecting the community’s reality abroad, with second-generation figures taking on greater responsibility across organisations.
In his interview with Politis to the point, he expanded on POMAK's new strategy, on the new generatuins of diaspora, Cyprus’ regional role, and his roots.
The Diaspora’s Role in 2025
Asked whether the diaspora’s importance is set to rise, Christos was unequivocal: “Absolutely, it has a huge role to play”. He framed influence as something that compounds when roots and culture endure across generations: “if you can maintain the roots and the culture, your ability to influence as you move through generations becomes exponentially easier”.
Second- and third-generation Cypriots, he added, are “more engrained in the daily lives of the countries they reside in”, carrying the Cyprus conversation into “everyday circles”. He pointed to a recent UK episode as proof of concept. Labour MP Afzal Khan resigned as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey following criticism of his visit to the north.
While the Cypriot government acted diplomatically, the diaspora mobilised politicians, engaged with the media, and pushed the issue directly with decision-makers. “That was a diaspora led campaign, to make sure that, as British voters, we made it clear to our government in the UK that this was unacceptable”, Christos said.
Cyprus as a Reliable Partner
On Cyprus’ position amid regional turbulence, Christos was direct: “Cyprus has a very important role in the region”. He said the island has shown itself, “whether through the Amalthia, or the Estia program”, to be a “reliable, trusted partner”.
For him, the diplomatic tempo tells its own story: “It’s no coincidence that relations with the US and the UK are the strongest they’ve ever been”. He pointed to landmark engagements, including a UK prime ministerial visit to Cyprus “for the first time after 53 years”, and early visits by senior UK officials under the new government. “These are all signs of a valued strategic partner”, he said.
Roots, Opportunity, and Duty
Christos described a lifelong connection to civic life and culture. “My parents were taking me to marches before I could even walk”. Community Greek schools and NEPOMAK formed the backbone of that journey: “I built some of the strongest friendships there, some of which are still strong today”.
He “was one of the founding members of NEPOMAK”, later serving “from 2006-2014”, and helped set up Discover Cyprus programs and culture tours so others could access the experiences that shaped him.
The work remains personal. “My grandparents passed away without ever being able to return to the homes they were born in, and I don’t want that to be my parent’s reality”.
Language as a Living Bridge
“Language is hugely important”, Christos said, calling it “a critical link back to the island, back to our roots.” He cited university courses and community Greek schools, while acknowledging distance and dispersion for communities like those in Australia. The task ahead is practical and creative: “we have a duty to do what we can to promote the language and make it more accessible”.
Strategy Under a New POMAK Presidency
“The focus on the Cyprus issue continues”, he said, but methods must evolve. “We need to continually upgrade and modernise the way we lobby. With every generation and the passage of time, the way you lobby effectively changes, and we need to continue changing with the times”. He pointed to high-reach media moments, such as the Cypriot president’s appearance on The Rest is Politics, as examples of meeting audiences where they are.
The north star is relevance to the next cohort: “we must understand what it is they want from us as a diaspora movement, how they want to interact, and we must adapt accordingly”. On cooperation with the state, Christos was succinct: “Yeah, I do” feel supported. “We have access to the president and minister of foreign affairs. The president studied in the USA and served as Consul General in the UK, so he knows the diaspora first-hand, so we do get the support we need”. Alliances with other communities will remain part of the toolkit. “They’re hugely important where you’ve got areas of common interest”, he said, noting previous joint campaigns and the added weight that comes from moving in concert “with other diaspora organisations”.