Athena Michaelidou

Dr Athena Michaelidou is a distinguished educator and policymaker with a lifelong commitment to advancing public education in Cyprus. She holds degrees from the University of Thessaloniki, the University of Manchester (M.A. in Education), and the University of London (Ph.D. in Educational Studies, specializing in research and evaluation).

Her career spans teaching in public schools, academic roles at the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, and leadership positions in educational research. She has represented Cyprus in European Commission working groups, taught at the Open University of Cyprus and the University of London, and served as acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth.

In July 2022, she was appointed acting permanent secretary of the newly established Deputy Ministry of Culture. On March 1, 2023, she assumed office as minister of education, sport and youth.

As minister, Dr Michaelidou has led transformative reforms, including:

Expansion of all-day elementary schools

Curriculum modernization focused on critical thinking and creativity

A shift toward student-centered secondary education

Legislation enabling non-Greek degree programs at public universities

Her vision emphasizes inclusive, skill-based education aligned with European best practices, student well-being, and a school culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination.

Dr Michaelidou is originally from Kyrenia and is a mother of two.