**AI Cannot Replace Human Judgement, Damianou Tells UCy Graduates**
In a thought-provoking address at the University of Cyprus (UCy) graduation ceremony on Thursday, Nicodemos Damianou, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, emphasized the irreplaceable role of human judgement in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). His remarks came as a part of a broader discussion on the implications of AI for the economy and society in Cyprus.
Damianou noted that while AI technologies can perform tasks such as writing code, creating images, and suggesting solutions, they lack the capacity for dreaming and making judgements that are inherently human. He underlined that the rise of AI is not a distant concern but a pressing reality that is already reshaping various sectors, including the economy, labor market, and education system in Cyprus.
"The essential question remains the same and more important than ever: how do we ensure that technology serves humans and not the other way around?" Damianou posed to the graduates. This inquiry reflects a growing global concern regarding the ethical use of AI and its integration into society.
Drawing on discussions from the recent G7 summit, where leaders met with executives from major AI companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind, Damianou highlighted the importance of maintaining human oversight in the face of advancing technologies. He referenced OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's caution to governments against relinquishing their responsibilities to AI firms, stressing that the challenge lies not only in developing powerful systems but ensuring they serve democracy and society effectively.
For Cyprus, the implications of AI are particularly significant. Damianou pointed out that the ability to prepare the workforce for a rapidly changing economy will be crucial for the country to thrive in the new technological landscape. He cited estimates from the World Economic Forum, indicating that by 2030, approximately 39% of existing worker skills are expected to change or become obsolete, with six out of ten workers requiring training or retraining within the next five years.
"These figures should not be a cause for concern," he reassured the graduates, emphasizing that lifelong learning is essential in today's dynamic environment. He remarked that the traditional model of education, work, and retirement is evolving, and those who continue to learn will hold a competitive advantage over others who may feel they have reached their limit.
Damianou acknowledged the pivotal role universities play in this transformation, not just as centers of knowledge but as institutions that influence societal thinking and innovation. He praised UCy as a cornerstone of research and knowledge production in Cyprus, noting its international partnerships and contributions to developing high-level human capital.
In discussing government policy, Damianou outlined efforts to foster a more competitive, technology-driven economic model that connects research with the real economy. He highlighted initiatives such as "Minds in Cyprus," which aims to encourage Cypriot professionals abroad to return and contribute to the country's growth. This initiative seeks to provide young professionals with opportunities to create value in Cyprus, countering the trend of emigration for career advancement.
Reflecting on Cyprus's recent economic progress, Damianou noted that the country recorded the highest growth rate in the EU during the first quarter of 2026. The technology sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the economy, accounting for approximately 15 to 16 percent of GDP and demonstrating the fastest growth rate. He also mentioned that Cyprus's startup ecosystem has expanded dramatically, with five times more startups than in 2020, marking a significant shift in the country's innovation landscape.
Despite these advancements, Damianou cautioned graduates that technology alone will not determine their future. He drew an analogy with basketball legend Michael Jordan, asserting that success is defined not by failures but by resilience in the face of uncertainty. He concluded by affirming that, regardless of AI's rapid development, human character, judgement, and values will remain the distinguishing qualities that give meaning to work and life.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Damianou's message serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of human qualities in an increasingly automated world. The ceremony underscored the need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of technology while preserving the essential human elements that define society.