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"AI does not replace human intelligence, but is a means of enhancing human ingenuity and intelligence."
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have come today to the workshop of the Ministry of State and have honoured us with your presence.
It is a special honour for all of us to have with us today the distinguished Cypriot scientist, the dear Professor Chrysostomos Nikias. The discussions that followed were excellent and productive.
This initiative is part of a series of actions by the Ministry of State in an effort to take a holistic and credible approach to the issue of artificial intelligence, which has been discussed for some years now.
Our aim is to produce and collect knowledge in order to elaborate and analyse what exactly is the path that can lead us to the correct and socially beneficial use of AI in our lives.
Having set our sights on the digital transformation of the state, we need to make the most of the smart technological tools at our disposal. One powerful tool is artificial intelligence.
Like any technological innovation, artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, improving and changing.
It seems appropriate to integrate the use of artificial intelligence at both public and private levels.
But it also seems appropriate to examine in depth the challenges that may accompany the new technological wave brought about by the application of such a sophisticated technological tool.
Global and rapid changes in the technological environment are now a daily occurrence, which we do not have the luxury of time to manage at low speed.
In order to compete equally with foreign economies and keep Cyprus high in competitiveness, we need to introduce smart, innovative and competitive solutions aimed at growth and improvement across a wide socio-economic spectrum.
This requires a series of strategic actions which will clearly include what is technologically advanced today.
On the occasion of my recent participation in the MED9 ministerial meeting held in Malta, the urgent need to create a legislative framework for the use of artificial intelligence was strongly discussed.
EU legislation to this end is at a mature stage, and upon completion will be the world's first legal framework for AI, setting a standard governed by European values.
At the state level, the Cypriot government has adopted the National AI Strategy 2020. However, the legislation expected from the European Union is crucial for the refinement and implementation of our national strategy.
However, I believe that AI must be approached in a multi-level approach, just like its use. The possibilities it can offer us and its amazing adaptability may inherently hide challenges that we must anticipate and study.
I want to stress that the proper management of this brilliant technology is essential for the full and complete success of its application in everyday human life.
And I want to emphasise that the benefits it can offer far outweigh any negative impact on society. That is why I firmly believe that the regulation of the legislative framework and proper political and technical management will be the alpha and omega for the elimination of everything that is currently troubling us.
Although you have largely analysed the pros and cons, as well as the ways of approaching and using AI, allow me to briefly mention some points which are vital for the progress and development of both the economy and the standard of living of citizens.
The use of AI, as I have already mentioned, is diverse and has the possibility of adaptability. By applying it in the workplace it is capable of increasing productivity, automating tasks that previously required a lot of time and resources.
AI can contribute with impressive solutions and results in the fields dealing with health and everything related to it. AI is already being used in medical applications to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases, thus improving the quality of health and healthcare.
In addition, it can help to advance science more broadly, as it can help accelerate scientific research by processing large amounts of data and discovering patterns and trends that would otherwise be difficult to identify.
At the same time, with the right designs and applications, AI can help to perform dangerous tasks, for which even today many people lose their lives, such as search and rescue missions.
It could be said that with the use of AI we will be able to explore even space without the fear of loss of human life and of course at a faster pace.
As we move towards digital transformation, alongside the need that has arisen from so many years of bad environmental behaviour around the world, we are called upon to find those solutions that are both digital and green and that preserve environmental protection and sustainability.
AI can help address the challenges of climate change by optimising the use of resources, factory waste and other polluting processes, thus reducing pollution.
The use of AI in security matters is also important with its application in surveillance systems for the detection and prevention of criminal activities as well as in matters related to the national security of a state.
To conclude I have chosen to comment on the integration and use of AI in the field of education, where the concerns are strong.
However, with its use we can achieve personalized lessons and customized teaching methods, such as for example intelligent teaching systems. At the same time, we see innovative technological processes for the assessment of learners by these systems unfolding.
Alongside this, our children are already beginning to look at their academic future in a different light, and there is a clear trend and preference for areas involving technological development.
On the other hand, we have to manage everything you have highlighted in your discussions, each from their own perspective.
Having taken note and having personally studied the phenomenon of artificial intelligence in particular, I have singled out the strongest concerns around its application.
There is the theory and belief that due to the natural automation of tasks that will be brought about by the use of AI, we will probably lead to massive job losses. There is also likely to be movement and interest in employment in other sectors.
We, as a state, must ensure that this does not create inequality in employment and hence in wages.
Other serious concerns arise regarding the protection of personal data and 'envelopment', vulnerability to misuse, as well as cybersecurity and cybercrime risks from any vulnerabilities that may arise in AI systems.
It is important to address these negative characteristics through good governance, legislative regulation, and oversight of AI in order to reap its benefits while managing to mitigate the risks and negative impacts.
However, I am convinced that the use of AI cannot replace the human factor, since it is humans who will regulate it and process its data.
As a state we have a duty, as in all our endeavours, to ensure the best interests of our people. To ensure that any effort is always citizen-centred and protects citizens' rights and fundamental freedoms, while ensuring social cohesion and peace among peoples.
It is healthy, therefore, to engage in productive dialogues and exchange suggestions, knowledge and concerns around issues of concern to society, in an effort to optimize and regulate these issues where there is a need.
Friends,
With cooperation, prudence, proper planning and actions, I am confident that we will achieve the smooth integration and use of AI in our lives. I stand strongly on the urgent need for legislative regulation.
In closing, I would like to thank again all of you who were with us today, our worthy ambassador of Cyprus around the world, Professor Nikias, as well as all those who participated in today's discussions, putting their own stones in setting a framework regarding the possibilities of using AI.
Thank you very much.
(MK)
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