The “TRNC Ufuk 2033 IT Island Vision Workshop” was successfully held under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, in collaboration with the Turkish Informatics Association and the Information Technology and Communication Authority of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The event, hosted in Lefkoşa, aimed to discuss and strategize on transforming TRNC into a major IT hub in the region.
The workshop began with a moment of silence and the national anthem.
This was followed by a video presentation from the Turkish Informatics Association, highlighting the aftermath of the February 6 earthquake.
Addressing the opening of the workshop, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı reflected on the historical milestones of the TRNC, mentioning the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation and the 40th anniversary of the TRNC.
He acknowledged that despite military success, political and economic victories have been lacking.
Arıklı stressed the importance of the “IT Island Cyprus” vision as a mission for current and future governments to address this gap.
Arıklı invited successful students from the TÜBİTAK competition to the stage, noting that despite the country’s potential, many talented young people choose to leave.
Hala Sultan Theology Faculty students Yusuf Çağlar and Emine Döner, who reached the finals with their project on post-earthquake adaptation and the well-being of students who migrated to the TRNC, shared their experiences and successes.
In a video message, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized the importance of collaboration for the TRNC to become an IT hub.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel’s message was also conveyed, highlighting the significance of digital transformation.
President Ersin Tatar reaffirmed the TRNC’s commitment to achieving its digital transformation goals with Türkiye’s support. He pointed out the legislative progress in digital transformation and the importance of retaining young talent in the country.
Tatar also acknowledged the investments made by international companies like KKTCell and Telsim and emphasized the need for continued investments in smart cities and various state services to improve quality of life and prosperity.
The workshop concluded with a strong message of cooperation and a shared vision for the TRNC’s future as a leading IT hub in the region.