Based on the results of a comprehensive, island-wide “Youth Aspiration Survey” (administered to over 1,600 Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots, aged 15 to 24), the Report examines the attitudes and perceptions of youth in a variety of areas, including relationships with their families, and choices on education, work and leisure activities. It also explores feelings towards national identity and the European Union; interaction with individuals from the other community; and young people’s opinions on religion, health and the role they can play as peacebuilders in Cyprus.

To this end, the Report offers valuable insight into the attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of young Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots residing on the island today. Moreover, the Report explores the socio-economic and political features of young people’s lives through the prism of youth empowerment and responsibility, analysing how these two factors affect the development of young Cypriots.

The Cyprus Human Development Report (HDR) was produced as part of a two-year initiative, the Cyprus Youth Dialogue Project, implemented by the University of Nicosia and KADEM, which involved engaging young people in an island-wide research and dialogue process.

A Youth Advisory Board, consisting of 12 Greek-Cypriot and 12 Turkish-Cypriot youth, collaborated with the research team in designing the survey and, later, in interpreting its results. Their interpretations, insights and ideas were incorporated into the Report and used to create a Cyprus Youth Charter. This Charter will represent the ‘voice’ of Cypriot youth and will serve as a tool for their thoughts and views to be heard across the island.