Cyprus’ higher education institutions have announced the creation of a joint framework to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, marking an unprecedented level of collaboration in the country’s academic sector.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, the universities said the initiative aims to establish “a common base for dialogue and action on issues of equality, inclusion, and acceptance of diversity.”

Shifting from isolated individual efforts to a shared exchange of knowledge and best practices, the framework will promote networking among relevant units and personnel across institutions and encourage increased participation in research projects centred on equality, inclusion, and diversity.

The initiative is supported by all universities in the Republic — a rare show of unity in Cypriot higher education.

Participating institutions include the University of Cyprus, Open University of Cyprus, European University Cyprus, University of Limassol, University of Nicosia, Neapolis University, Cyprus University of Technology, American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo, American University of Cyprus, Frederick University, Philips University, and UCLan Cyprus.

It marks the first time all universities in Cyprus have signed on to a joint framework of this kind.