The Annual Conference of the National Anti-Poverty Network Cyprus (EAPN Cyprus) was successfully held on 6 November 2025 at Frederick University in Nicosia, under the theme “Child Poverty and Mental Health – Perspectives and Challenges.”

The conference highlighted, through evidence-based scientific presentations and fruitful dialogue, the multidimensional impact of child poverty on children’s mental health, as well as the need for collective and coordinated action by all relevant bodies.

Distinguished academics participated in the event: Dr Marios Theodorou, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Frederick University; Dr Loukas Antoniou, member of INEK PEO; and Dr Christos Panayiotopoulos, Professor of Psychiatry and Social Work at the University of Nicosia. Representatives of the state and institutional bodies also took part, along with civil society organisations.

The conference was addressed by the President of the Council of Frederick University, Ms Natassa Frederickou. Greetings were also delivered by the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Ms Elena Perikleous; the Director of OKYPY’s Mental Health Services, Dr Niki Paradeisioti; Senior Officer of the Social Welfare Services, Ms Niki Odysseos; and the Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr Yiannis Nikolaidis.

Particularly valuable were the interventions by members of the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee of Students (PSEM), including its president, student Achilleas Georgiou, and by members of the Children’s Parliament, represented by its Press Officer, Aris Delarokas. The two conveyed, with authenticity and clarity, the voice of children themselves, describing the experiences and challenges they face in their daily lives.

The discussions centred on child poverty as a critical factor that directly affects children’s mental and emotional development. According to the latest data, more than 26,000 children in Cyprus—14.9%—live at risk of poverty and social exclusion. These figures are cause for concern and underline the need for immediate political and social mobilization.

The National Anti-Poverty Network Cyprus (EAPN Cyprus) stresses that child poverty is not merely a social statistic but a human reality that shapes the future of our society. Its eradication requires comprehensive welfare policies, strong family support, investment in mental health, and the active involvement of all stakeholders. As highlighted, “children are the ones who bear no responsibility, yet they experience the consequences of an inequality that restricts their dreams. Our society owes them equal opportunities, dignity, and hope.”