AI to be used for public good, Cyprus Dep. Representatives tells UN meeting

The Republic of Cyprus will utilise artificial intelligence for “the public good, economic growth, and innovation,” ensuring that its development remains “ethical, inclusive and transparent,” in line with European and international standards, Gabriella Michaelidou, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cyprus said an informal meeting of the United Nations Security Council—known as the "Arria-formula".

The meeting titled "Leveraging Safe, Inclusive, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security" was coordinated by Greece, together with France and the Republic of Korea, with Armenia, Italy, and the Netherlands as co-coordinators.

Cyprus Deputy Permanent Representative highlighted the urgent need to establish “principles, international norms, and regulations” regarding emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, in order to ensure effective conflict management and the preservation of international security.

Transparency and inclusivity, she noted, are essential to prevent “misuse that could threaten political stability, democracy, and international security,”. Such initiatives directly address algorithmic biases protecting ethnic, religious and minority groups from “disproportionate harm.”

She also stressed the importance of the REAIM process in shaping “international ethical standards” that build trust and reduce the risks associated with cyber intrusions or AI-enabled military capabilities.

Underscoring that “international law applies to artificial intelligence,” Cyprus supported an active role for the UN—especially through the Security Council—in advancing regulations that deter “malicious actions such as the development of autonomous weapons, cyberwarfare and disinformation.”

On an environmental level, Michaelidou said, Cyprus supports AI-driven solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints, backing the “Coalition for Sustainable Artificial Intelligence” and promoting policies aligned with EU and global sustainability goals.

Finally, she stressed the need for close cooperation between the UN, governments, the technology sector, and civil society to maintain “information integrity” and effectively combat extremism and hate speech, ultimately contributing to the “strengthening of international peace, security in compliance with international humanitarian law.”

The main speakers were Giannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight at the Presidency of the Government of the Hellenic Republic, Yasmine Afina, AI researcher at UNIDIR and Charlotte Scaddan, Information Integrity Advisor at the UN Department of Global Communications.

(Source: CNA)