This has been a long-term framework project of the Centre. It houses efforts and initiatives on the Cyprus problem broadly construed, tracing its political contours and local and international efforts towards its solution. The project both follows and analyses developments and at the same time aims to identify opportunities for collaboration and cooperation locally and regionally, as recognized elements of effective peacebuilding.
It seeks to put forward suggestions to help to establish linkages, that is relationships of interdependence that go beyond simple or formal interaction. Such interdependence (economic, professional, political, and other) builds on the recognized need and ability to rely on others and develops relationships of trust that often radiate beyond the initial cooperation and create chains and networks of collaborations. It capitalizes on various tools that have been developed in international peacebuilding to aid in the development of such linkages. Sectors considered in this respect have included, among others, the environment, education, the arts and culture, gender, and business. Within the broad framework project, specific projects have been pursued, aimed at exploring effective platforms of practical cooperation and linkages between the two communities across the divide in Cyprus. Each project explores the potential benefits of cooperation as well as the potential risks of absence of cooperation for the island as a whole. The project will continue into the next period, featuring discussions with policy and media circles.
