The Cyprus Dialogue Forum has introduced the Labour Market Guide, a digital database compiling economic and workforce statistics across the island. The guide, presented at an event held at Ledra Palace Hotel, marks the first time that joint labour market data has been brought together on a unified platform in three languages.
Speaking at the event, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, emphasized the importance of such a comprehensive data resource.
He highlighted the economic disparity between the two sides as one of the most pressing issues of the Cyprus problem, stating, “The economic isolation of the North creates serious difficulties and frustrations for those living there.”
Stewart noted that over five decades of empirical data reflect this reality and added, “Unfortunately, measures taken within the settlement process have not led to positive outcomes. The North has become increasingly dependent on Türkiye economically, while economic ties between the North and South have eroded due to isolation.”
Giulia Bertezzolo, Head of the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit at the European Commission, stressed that the guide is a critical tool for identifying solutions and shaping evidence-based policies.
She praised the collaborative efforts of the working group organizations that contributed to the project, stating that the guide consolidates previously scattered and inaccessible data into a single, comprehensive source.
“Attitudes on the island are sometimes shaped by misconceptions or a lack of information. This guide is crucial for addressing issues and informing policy decisions,” she noted.
The Labour Market Guide, developed by the Cyprus Dialogue Forum’s Labour Market Working Group, consists of contributions from 17 organizations and includes over 100 interactive tables covering topics such as wages, cost of living, employment, unemployment, social security, and trade.
The guide is available online in Turkish, Greek, and English at libguides.cydialogue.org/labour. brt
