EMMENA Sustainable Energy Research & Innovation Platform

The PHAETHON Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the University of Cyprus is organising the Founding Workshop of the EMMENA Sustainable Energy Research and Innovation Platform, in Nicosia, on 9–10 November 2026.

The Workshop will bring together representatives from universities, research institutions, innovation organisations, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders from across the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa region. It marks an important first step towards a regional framework for sustainable energy research and innovation cooperation — through dialogue, knowledge exchange and the identification of shared priorities, participants will help shape the future direction, activities and collaborative opportunities of the Platform.

Cyprus, located at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, provides a natural meeting point for regional cooperation, fostering connections that support collaborative initiatives addressing shared sustainable energy challenges and opportunities across the region.

Increasing energy demand, climate pressures, resource constraints and the need for resilient, secure and sustainable energy systems require enhanced cooperation, knowledge exchange and coordinated action. At the same time, the region’s exceptional renewable energy potential, scientific expertise and emerging innovation ecosystems provide a strong foundation for developing collaborative solutions.

Addressing these shared priorities requires stronger connections among universities, research institutions, innovation organisations, policymakers and other stakeholders across the region — accelerating research and innovation, building capacity, and supporting sustainable energy solutions tailored to regional needs.

Coordinated by PHAETHON CoE, the Platform creates a structured framework for long-term collaboration among universities, research institutions, innovation organisations and other stakeholders across the region — connecting regional expertise, supporting joint initiatives, and facilitating cooperation between EMMENA stakeholders and European and international research and innovation networks.

The Platform will pursue a set of objectives aimed at translating regional cooperation into concrete research, innovation and capacity-building activities. The Platform seeks to:

The Founding Workshop provides an opportunity for participants to contribute to the establishment of a regional sustainable energy research and innovation framework. Participants will have the opportunity to:

A forum for discussion and exchange across the sustainable energy research and innovation themes most relevant to the EMMENA region.

Keynotes, thematic sessions, institutional presentations, a panel on the region’s innovation ecosystem, and open strategic discussion — hosted at the Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre, Amphitheatre “Philippos Tsimpoglou.”

The Founding Workshop takes place at the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia (Lefkosia) — the capital city, and Cyprus’s meeting point of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Enter the Republic of Cyprus only through a recognised point of entry. The closest airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport, approximately 49 km from the city.

Further detail on accommodation, local transport and campus access is available in the Workshop Information booklet.

A shortlist of hotels the University of Cyprus frequently works with — book directly or through your preferred travel site.

Representatives from universities, research institutions, innovation organisations, government bodies and other stakeholders across the EMMENA region are invited to register. Universities and research centres in EMMENA countries are also welcome to express interest in presenting their research.