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The Embassy of Cyprus in Geneva |
Contact
Address
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland
Rue du Grand-Pré 66
1202 Geneva
Phone Number
+41 22 566 54 10
Fax Number
+41 22 791 00 84
Email
pm.geneva@mfa.gov.cy
The Ambassador
H.E. Mrs. Olympia Neocleous
H.E. Ms. Olympia Neocleous is the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva. She presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, upon assuming her position.
Prior to her appointment to Geneva, Ms. Neocleous worked as a Cabinet Expert in the Cabinet of Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, in 2020. From 2016 to 2019, she served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the European Union, while also serving as Permanent Representative to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) within the EU. Between 2010 and 2015, she was Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus in Washington, D.C., United States. Earlier diplomatic postings included service at the Embassy of Cyprus in Athens, Greece (2003–2007) and the Embassy of Cyprus in Paris, France (2001–2003).
Ms. Neocleous joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus in 1999. During her career, she served as Head of the European Union Policies Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia (2015–2016) and as a Seconded National Expert in the Directorate-General for Enlargement of the European Commission (2008–2010).
Ms. Neocleous holds a Bachelor of Laws from University College London, a Master of Science in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics, and is a Barrister at Law of the Inner Temple.
History
The Republic of Cyprus became a member of the United Nations on 20 September 1960, shortly after gaining independence. Since joining the Organization, Cyprus has maintained an active role in multilateral diplomacy, with particular engagement in areas including peace and security, international law, human rights, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and conflict prevention.
A defining element of Cyprus’s engagement with the United Nations has been the Cyprus question, which has been addressed through UN-led diplomatic efforts since the intercommunal tensions that emerged after independence. The United Nations established the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1964, one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping operations, with the mandate of preventing further fighting and contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability on the island. Cyprus has consistently engaged with UN processes aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement and has emphasized the importance of international law, sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Beyond the Cyprus issue, Cyprus has contributed to UN discussions on a wide range of global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, human rights, migration, and humanitarian affairs. The country has served on various UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (2025–2027), and has participated actively in the work of the General Assembly and other UN forums.
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva represents Cyprus in Geneva-based institutions, including the UN Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other specialized agencies. The Mission works on issues such as human rights, humanitarian affairs, health, labour, trade, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Geneva is an important centre for Cyprus’s multilateral diplomacy due to its role as a hub for international organizations and negotiations.
