Cyprus puts humans in charge of its AI future

Since a doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, accountant, journalist or entrepreneur will not use AI in the same way, the proposed learning pathways would be tailored to different professions and sectors. Nor, according to Skourides, can education end at school or university. As AI changes jobs and professional practices, people will need opportunities to continue learning through workshops, online courses, workplace training and recognised qualifications. Together, these measures are intended to create a Human+ workforce, where technology strengthens people’s experience, creativity, judgement and skills. As Skourides put it, “The future does not belong to artificial intelligence alone. It belongs to people who know how to use AI responsibly, confidently and creatively.” This thinking is also reflected in one of the strategy’s most distinctive proposals, the Socratic AI initiative. Rather than using artificial intelligence only to provide quick answers, the initiative would help people ask better questions, test assumptions and think more critically. Students could use it to strengthen curiosity and independent learning, while professionals could draw on it for reflection and better decision-making. At the same time, it could help citizens develop the confidence to question AI-generated information rather than accept it automatically. “The purpose is not to make machines think instead of people,” Skourides said, adding that “it is to help people think better.” Like the strategy’s other proposals, however, the initiative would require further design, testing, collaboration and appropriate implementation planning. Ensuring that no one is left behind forms another part of the same approach. Skourides said a human-centred strategy must include students, professionals, customers, older citizens, persons with disabilities and people with limited digital skills. AI could improve accessibility through voice tools, transcription, translation, visual support and easier access to services, but inclusion must be built in from the beginning. Older people and persons with disabilities should therefore be involved in testing services, while human assistance must remain available. Skourides stressed that “no citizen should be forced into digital-only systems they cannot confidently use without having the ability to talk to a human operator or agent,” with technology expected to expand choice, independence and dignity rather than create new barriers. This focus on people also shapes how Cyprus intends to compete internationally. Instead of attempting to build the largest AI systems in the world, Skourides said the country should differentiate itself through trust, agility and responsible innovation. As an EU member, Cyprus can combine strong governance and human rights with research capability, entrepreneurship and close cooperation between government, universities, businesses and society. Its small size could also work in its favour by allowing institutions, experts, companies and communities to come together quickly, test solutions in real conditions, learn from citizens and expand successful initiatives nationally. In this way, Skourides said Cyprus could demonstrate how a smaller country can adopt AI responsibly, practically and at human scale, pursuing technology that is “innovative but accountable, competitive but inclusive, and always centred on people.” The strategy was written, edited and reviewed by the National AI Taskforce in coordination with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, with Skourides thanking the Taskforce’s members for their commitment, contribution and accountability. He also expressed his appreciation to the stakeholders, experts, professional organisations and ad hoc team that contributed ideas, evidence and practical experience. Nevertheless, he stressed that the document sets out a proposed national direction rather than a finished plan. Its priorities must now be discussed, tested and improved through public consultation, while its eventual success will depend on cooperation across government, business, academia, research, professional organisations, civil society and citizens. The consultation remains open until August 31, 2026, with Skourides encouraging every company, committee, citizen, professional, entrepreneur and organisation to participate. Ultimately, Skourides said Cyprus’ progress five years from now would not be judged by the number of AI systems, solutions or pilots introduced. Instead, “the real test will be whether people experience better healthcare, stronger education, more opportunities to work, convenient and accessible public services, greater inclusion, better security and a healthier work-life balance”, reflecting what Skourides described, in essence, as “technology for humanity”.