Consortium

Nicosia, a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, has served as the capital of Cyprus since the 11th century. In the 16th century, it acquired its distinctive star-shaped city walls courtesy of the Venetians, creating a separation between the Old City "within the walls" and the modern, continually evolving Nicosia. Regrettably, Nicosia bears the lasting scars of Cyprus' division, standing as the last divided capital in Europe. Approximately 70% of the municipality's land is situated in the occupied area, marked by the UN-monitored Buffer Zone, commonly referred to as the Green Line, which has divided the city since 1974. This division has posed significant challenges, necessitating sustained collaborative efforts to rejuvenate the city. Initiatives have been implemented to address issues such as abandonment, attract investments, preserve historical structures, counter population decline, and tackle socio-economic challenges amidst urban expansion. Presently, Nicosia thrives as a cosmopolitan capital and serves as Cyprus' administrative and commercial center, hosting more than 200,000 residents in the greater Nicosia area and 55,000 within Nicosia Municipality. The city's economic dynamism is rooted in key sectors including information and communication technology (ICT), education, research, finance, and professional services. Nicosia is steadfast in its ambition to transform into a leading hub for knowledge, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Strategic frameworks, such as Integrated Sustainable Urban Development, the Spatial Development Strategy, Smart City initiatives, Sustainable Urban Mobility, and Energy Action Plans, are propelling this metamorphosis. Nicosia's commitment to the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change Charter and its active participation in initiatives such as the Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) underscore its dedication to a green, digital, resilient, and sustainable future, embodying a vision of continuous progress and innovation.