Date

7th April 2026

Location

Hilton, Nicosia, Cyprus

Language

Greek

Date

7th April 2026

Time

08:30

Location

Hilton, Nicosia, Cyprus

Language

Greek

Shaping a Safer Tomorrow Through Innovation

Today’s dynamic business environment demands that organisations develop innovative strategies to mitigate risks and adapt to emerging challenges. In this spirit, the Harm Reduction Conference 2026, organised by IMH, positions itself at the forefront of harm reduction innovation. This premier event will explore the latest advancements across multiple sectors, showcasing how science, technology, and regulation can collectively reduce the negative impacts of inherently risky behaviours.

Harm reduction offers pragmatic strategies that, although they do not eliminate all risks, significantly lessen adverse outcomes compared to traditional practices. For example, the shift to electric vehicles has considerably reduced environmental harm compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars. Similarly, scientific breakthroughs have led to alternatives to smoking that are potentially less harmful for those unwilling to quit completely.

By integrating harm-reduction strategies into our daily operations, we can achieve significant benefits for individuals, society, and the environment. The Harm Reduction Conference 2026 provides a unique platform to gain insights from industry experts, network with peers, and discuss the latest trends and strategies necessary for building a more resilient and sustainable future.

With the above in mind, and following the success of last year, IMH will organise the second “Harm Reduction Conference 2026”. It will be a high-profile Conference where participants will have a unique opportunity to hear the latest trends on harm reduction in all sectors of the economy and network with industry experts and peers from within the industry.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Delegates
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Immersive Sessions
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Distinguished Speakers
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THE CONFERENCE

The Conference will convene a distinguished cadre of industry leaders at its inaugural event in Cyprus, setting a new benchmark for excellence in harm reduction. This prestigious gathering promises a unique platform for sharing cutting-edge strategies and pioneering solutions that redefine industry standards.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations by specialized speakers who will share their expertise and insights on cutting-edge harm reduction practices across various sectors. The conference will explore the latest scientific advancements, technological innovations, and regulatory frameworks that contribute to reducing risks associated with everyday activities.

Key discussions will focus on evidence-based harm reduction strategies, the role of emerging technologies, and the adoption of pragmatic approaches to mitigate adverse outcomes.

The Conference will foster critical discussions, drive innovation, and provide actionable strategies that promote better practices.

AUDIENCE

The Conference is aimed at executives of the largest companies in Cyprus, specifically:
Board of Directors and CEOs of Associations, Executives of the biggest companies and organisations in Cyprus, from all sectors of the economy, such as:

  • Marketing Managers
  • HR Managers
  • ESG Consultants / Managers
  • Credit Managers, Accounting
  • Managers and Credit Analysts/Controllers

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on the latest trends, developments, and tools available to enhance harm reduction efforts in industries such as finance, healthcare, road safety, environmental sustainability, and digital security. The Harm Reduction Conference 2026 serves as a premier platform, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

Speakers

Stella Stylianou

Newscaster at ERT News, Editor at The Greek Newspaper "TA NEA"

Alexis Vafeades

Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Republic of Cyprus

Charalambos Prountzos

Mayor of Nicosia

Grigorios Kamperis

General Manager, Philip Morris Cyprus

Marilena Paraskeva

Head of Funding Programmes, Research and Innovation Foundation

Chrisis Pantelides

Member of the Parliament, Nicosia Democratic Party

Dr. Petros S. Rodotheou

Md., PhD, Medical Officer 2nd Class, Ministry of Health

Professor Vasos Vassiliou

MRG Leader, Smart Networked Systems (SNS) Group, CYENS Centre of Excellence / Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus

Charis Evripidou

Director of Traffic Police Department, Cyprus Police

Kyriakos Tyllis

Chief Executive Officer, COSMOS Insurance

Dr. Vicky Charalambous

Director of People, Culture & Organizational Performance, CARDET Managing Director, Institute of Development

Dr. Olga Nicolaidou

Scientific Collaborator, CERIDES, European University Cyprus

Demetra Panonidou

Sustainability Manager, Department of Sustainability, Papaellinas Group

Dr. Cleo Varianou-Mikellidou

Lecturer in Occupational Safety & Health, CERIDES Operations Manager, European University Cyprus

Dr. Konstantinos C. Makris

Full Professor, Environmental Health & Director, Precision Exposomics & Health Laboratory, Cyprus University of Technology

Marina Kyriacou

Health, Safety and Environment Officer, ipH Ltd & Board Member, CSR Cyprus

Dr Ignatios Ikonomidis,MD,PhD,FESC,EACVI,HFA

Professor of Cardiology, Director of Echocardiography and the Laboratory of Preventive Cardiology, 2nd Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Dr. Panayiotis C. Andreou

Professor of Finance, Cyprus University of Technology, President, Financial Wellbeing Institute & Creator and Host, Money Doctor

Toumazis Toumazi

Project Officer, Cyprus Computer Society

Demetris M. Demetriou

Member of Parliament, Nicosia Democratic Party, Parliamentary Committee on Institutions, Merit and the Commissioner for Administration

Xenia Xenofontos

Vice President, Cyprus Media Ethics Committee & Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Digital Tree

Agenda

08:30 - 09:15
Registrations
09:20 - 09:50
Panel Discussion: Harnessing Innovation for a Safer Future: Cyprus’ Vision for Harm Reduction Across Sectors
  • Overview of Cyprus’ national strategy in research and innovation.
  • How public-private partnerships and R&D drive real-world solutions in health, sustainability, mobility, and digital safety.
  • Examples of Cypriot innovation initiatives that reduce harm — from eHealth to green tech and AI in workplace safety

 

09:50 - 10:05
The National Road Safety Strategy of Cyprus: Policy, Infrastructure & Technology

This high-impact address will underline road safety as a national priority, outlining how policy direction, safer infrastructure, and modern vehicle and data-driven technologies can accelerate progress in preventing collisions, reducing fatalities, and protecting all road users.

10:05 - 10:15
Welcome Address on behalf of the Minister of Health
10:15-10:35
Modern Approaches to Prevention and Harm Reduction in Cardiovascular Health

Τα καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα αποτελούν την κυριότερη αιτία θανάτου παγκοσμίως, ωστόσο οι βασικοί παράγοντες κινδύνου είναι γνωστοί, μετρήσιμοι και τροποποιήσιμοι. Η έγκαιρη μείωση της έκθεσης σε παράγοντες όπως η υπέρταση, η χοληστερόλη, το κάπνισμα και η καθιστική ζωή μπορεί να καθυστερήσει ή και να αποτρέψει την εμφάνιση της νόσου.

Η πρόληψη και η μείωση του κινδύνου αποτελούν ουσιαστικά εργαλεία δημόσιας υγείας, οδηγώντας σε καλύτερα αποτελέσματα για την υγεία και μειώνοντας την πίεση στα συστήματα περίθαλψης.

Το κάπνισμα παραμένει ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επιβαρυντικούς παράγοντες. Αν και η διακοπή του έχει άμεσα οφέλη, προσεγγίσεις μείωσης της βλάβης μπορούν να συμβάλουν στη μείωση της έκθεσης σε επιβλαβείς ουσίες για όσους δεν διακόπτουν, ενισχύοντας τη συνολική καρδιαγγειακή προστασία.

10:35-11:00
Fireside chat: A business transformation based on science and innovation
11:00-11:20
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Road Safety
  • Innovations in vehicle safety technology (e.g., autonomous vehicles, collision avoidance systems).
  • Policy and infrastructure changes to reduce traffic accidents (e.g., speed limits, road design).
  • Campaigns promoting safer driving behaviors (e.g., discouraging drunk driving, seatbelt usage).

 

11:20-12:00
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Workplace Safety
  • Implementing advanced safety measures and technologies to reduce workplace injuries (e.g., automated safety systems).
  • Mental health harm reduction strategies in the workplace, such as wellness programs and support systems.
  • Designing healthier organizations: Building a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and behavioral flexibility through policy, leadership, and team-level interventions.
  • Integrating sustainable and innovative practices in workplace operations to reduce risks, improve safety outcomes, and address challenges in high-risk environments.

 

12:00-12:30
Networking Coffee Break
12:30 - 13:00
Panel Discussion: The Science of Harm Reduction: From Environmental Risk to Health Innovation
  • How scientific research helps identify, reduce, and prevent long-term health risks linked to environmental and lifestyle factors.
  • The role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in developing practical, evidence-based harm-reduction strategies.
  • Examples from Cyprus and Europe, including water safety, chemical exposure, and community health initiatives, that show how research can lead to better policy and public well-being.
  • Why investing in scientific leadership and public health intelligence is essential for national resilience and sustainability.

 

13:00-13:15
Fireside Chat: Harm Reduction in Environmental Sustainability
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce environmental degradation.
  • Reducing waste through circular economy models and sustainable product design.
  • Addressing plastic pollution: alternatives, recycling innovations, and global policies.

 

13:15 - 13:30
Fireside Chat: Financial Harm Reduction: Managing Debt and Promoting Financial Literacy
  • Preventing financial harm through education and improved access to financial services
  • Identifying early warning signs of financial vulnerability and financial stress in individuals and households
  • Tools and strategies to reduce personal debt and prevent bankruptcy (e.g., budgeting apps, counselling)
  • Building simple and practical decision-making rules to strengthen financial resilience and avoid harmful financial behaviours
13:30 - 13:45
Beyond Technology: A Human-Centred Approach to Digital Safety

This presentation explores how safer digital environments can be promoted through awareness, behavioural choices and responsible use of technology. It will highlight the importance of user education, awareness campaigns and practical tools within social media and applications that help individuals manage their online behaviour. The presentation will also touch upon the psychological dimensions of cyber safety and how digital habits influence personal well-being and online security.

13:45 - 14:05
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Media and Entertainment
  • Addressing mental health risks associated with fame and online exposure (e.g., social media moderation, mental health support for public figures).
  • Reducing the harm of violent or harmful content through age-appropriate regulation and content warnings.
  • The role of responsible journalism in reducing harm from misinformation.

 

14:05 - 14:10
Concluding Remarks by Conference Chairperson

Agenda

08:30 - 09:15
Registrations
09:20 - 09:50
Panel Discussion: Harnessing Innovation for a Safer Future: Cyprus’ Vision for Harm Reduction Across Sectors
  • Overview of Cyprus’ national strategy in research and innovation.
  • How public-private partnerships and R&D drive real-world solutions in health, sustainability, mobility, and digital safety.
  • Examples of Cypriot innovation initiatives that reduce harm — from eHealth to green tech and AI in workplace safety

 

09:50 - 10:05
The National Road Safety Strategy of Cyprus: Policy, Infrastructure & Technology

This high-impact address will underline road safety as a national priority, outlining how policy direction, safer infrastructure, and modern vehicle and data-driven technologies can accelerate progress in preventing collisions, reducing fatalities, and protecting all road users.

10:05 - 10:15
Welcome Address on behalf of the Minister of Health
10:15-10:35
Modern Approaches to Prevention and Harm Reduction in Cardiovascular Health

Τα καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα αποτελούν την κυριότερη αιτία θανάτου παγκοσμίως, ωστόσο οι βασικοί παράγοντες κινδύνου είναι γνωστοί, μετρήσιμοι και τροποποιήσιμοι. Η έγκαιρη μείωση της έκθεσης σε παράγοντες όπως η υπέρταση, η χοληστερόλη, το κάπνισμα και η καθιστική ζωή μπορεί να καθυστερήσει ή και να αποτρέψει την εμφάνιση της νόσου.

Η πρόληψη και η μείωση του κινδύνου αποτελούν ουσιαστικά εργαλεία δημόσιας υγείας, οδηγώντας σε καλύτερα αποτελέσματα για την υγεία και μειώνοντας την πίεση στα συστήματα περίθαλψης.

Το κάπνισμα παραμένει ένας από τους σημαντικότερους επιβαρυντικούς παράγοντες. Αν και η διακοπή του έχει άμεσα οφέλη, προσεγγίσεις μείωσης της βλάβης μπορούν να συμβάλουν στη μείωση της έκθεσης σε επιβλαβείς ουσίες για όσους δεν διακόπτουν, ενισχύοντας τη συνολική καρδιαγγειακή προστασία.

10:35-11:00
Fireside chat: A business transformation based on science and innovation
11:00-11:20
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Road Safety
  • Innovations in vehicle safety technology (e.g., autonomous vehicles, collision avoidance systems).
  • Policy and infrastructure changes to reduce traffic accidents (e.g., speed limits, road design).
  • Campaigns promoting safer driving behaviors (e.g., discouraging drunk driving, seatbelt usage).

 

11:20-12:00
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Workplace Safety
  • Implementing advanced safety measures and technologies to reduce workplace injuries (e.g., automated safety systems).
  • Mental health harm reduction strategies in the workplace, such as wellness programs and support systems.
  • Designing healthier organizations: Building a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and behavioral flexibility through policy, leadership, and team-level interventions.
  • Integrating sustainable and innovative practices in workplace operations to reduce risks, improve safety outcomes, and address challenges in high-risk environments.

 

12:00-12:30
Networking Coffee Break
12:30 - 13:00
Panel Discussion: The Science of Harm Reduction: From Environmental Risk to Health Innovation
  • How scientific research helps identify, reduce, and prevent long-term health risks linked to environmental and lifestyle factors.
  • The role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in developing practical, evidence-based harm-reduction strategies.
  • Examples from Cyprus and Europe, including water safety, chemical exposure, and community health initiatives, that show how research can lead to better policy and public well-being.
  • Why investing in scientific leadership and public health intelligence is essential for national resilience and sustainability.

 

13:00-13:15
Fireside Chat: Harm Reduction in Environmental Sustainability
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce environmental degradation.
  • Reducing waste through circular economy models and sustainable product design.
  • Addressing plastic pollution: alternatives, recycling innovations, and global policies.

 

13:15 - 13:30
Fireside Chat: Financial Harm Reduction: Managing Debt and Promoting Financial Literacy
  • Preventing financial harm through education and improved access to financial services
  • Identifying early warning signs of financial vulnerability and financial stress in individuals and households
  • Tools and strategies to reduce personal debt and prevent bankruptcy (e.g., budgeting apps, counselling)
  • Building simple and practical decision-making rules to strengthen financial resilience and avoid harmful financial behaviours
13:30 - 13:45
Beyond Technology: A Human-Centred Approach to Digital Safety

This presentation explores how safer digital environments can be promoted through awareness, behavioural choices and responsible use of technology. It will highlight the importance of user education, awareness campaigns and practical tools within social media and applications that help individuals manage their online behaviour. The presentation will also touch upon the psychological dimensions of cyber safety and how digital habits influence personal well-being and online security.

13:45 - 14:05
Panel Discussion: Harm Reduction in Media and Entertainment
  • Addressing mental health risks associated with fame and online exposure (e.g., social media moderation, mental health support for public figures).
  • Reducing the harm of violent or harmful content through age-appropriate regulation and content warnings.
  • The role of responsible journalism in reducing harm from misinformation.

 

14:05 - 14:10
Concluding Remarks by Conference Chairperson

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