Cyprus launches EKFRACY (Expression) interactive platform

President Nikos Christodoulides has announced the launch of an online platform, called EKFRACY (Expression), in bid to promote an interactive two-way communication between the government and people aged 18-35.

The platform has been set up in collaboration with the Office of the Citizens' Commissioner and the Cyprus Youth Organisation (ONEK).

In a video message during a 16 July press conference for the launching of the online platform, Christodoulides said the government aims at “a more active participation of youth in the shaping of government policies and actions that directly affect them, affect their everyday-lives and their future.”

Through the digital tool EKFRACY, he said, our youth are for the first time being offered the opportunity for a constant dialogue with the Executive for the submission of specific suggestions and proposals for all issues that concern them, from education to housing, traffic, employment, artificial intelligence in various aspects of the public sphere, the environment, social cohesion, and anything else at the epicentre of their interests.

He added that at a predefined time which would be announced in advance, the members of the platform would be given specific topical questionnaires through which the interested young people would be able to submit their views on actions to be adopted by the government.

Christodoulides, moreover, added that through EKFRACY both he personally and all Cabinet members would be holding live discussions with the youth of Cyprus.

The President also called on all young peopleto actively participate on the platform.

“As the government we desire interaction and dialogue with the new generation at every opportunity, aiming to shape a better tomorrow for our country,” he said.

Citizens' Commissioner Panayiotis Palates and acting Director-General of ONEKMaria Miltiadous

On her part, Maria Miltiadous, acting Director-General of ONEK said the first topic of discussion on the platform will be the issue of housing.

Housing is today one of the most important issues facing our youth as acquiring an affordable home concerns every young person, she added, noting that the platform holds 11 open-type questions as well as multiple-answer choices. Interested youth could create a profile at the www.EKFRACY.com.cy and begin sharing their views.

On his part, Panayiotis Palates, Citizens' Commissioner said young people could utilise the platform to submit questions or suggestions and ONEK staff could reply after enquiring the competent Ministries.

Miltiadous also said that EKFRACY will also hold some live events and will publish results and other information on its social media accounts.

(Source: CNA)