On December 17, 2024, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and two project contracts were signed between The Cyprus Institute (CyI) and the Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (HRDA). This collaboration aims to foster the development and implementation of training programs focused on digital and green skills.

The MoU and contracts were signed by Mr. Yiannis Mourouzidis, Director General of HRDA, and Professor Stavros Malas, President of CyI.

The agreements entail the implementation of approximately 80 training programs designed to educate over 1,000 participants. The first contract concerns “Training Programs for the Acquisition of Digital Skills,” and encompasses a range of subjects including virtual environments, programming for digital humanities and digital cultural heritage, as well as the utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across various professions. The second contract concerns “Training Programs for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills Related to the Green Economy.” This program will address critical areas such as renewable energy sources, desalination powered by renewable energy, water resource management, and advanced technologies facilitating the green transition, including open-source technologies for environmental management.

These training programs will be provided at no cost to employees in both the private and public sectors, as well as to self-employed individuals and those who are unemployed. Funding for these initiatives is provided by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Mechanism under NextGenerationEU, as part of the broader Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan.