Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, is participating in an international artificial intelligence (AI) summit on Monday, aimed at intensifying cooperation to ensure the technology’s safe application.

Cyprus is an active part of this international effort, the ministry said, and is focused on exploiting worldwide opportunities emerging from the AI sector and addressing its challenges.

Cyprus’ recently created special Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI taskforce) was established towards this end to promote development, integration and more pervasive use of AI applications on the island, the ministry added.

Through increased use of AI, strengthening of the economy, safeguarding competitiveness, and improving citizens’ quality of life are envisioned, the deputy ministry said.

The conference in Paris on Monday and Tuesday under the title AI Action Summit, brings together heads of state and government officials from over 90 countries.

Leaders from the world’s largest technology companies, international organisations, academics, members of civil society and NGOs are represented.

The broad focus is “the rapid development of AI, as well as the need to intensify international cooperation to ensure safe, reliable and accessible AI applications at the service of humanity.”

Expanding access to independent, safe and trustworthy AI applications are to be discussed. Improving the technology’s environmental footprint and inclusive global governance of AI will also be broached.

The summit will reflect “a balanced European approach to AI, combining support for innovation with an appropriate regulatory framework and respect for rights,” the French presidency said.

The goal is to ensure “the technologies [operate] in the interest of all, including developing countries,” it added.

Damianou will participate in a ministerial working meeting with his EU counterparts, chaired by European Commissioner for Technological Independence, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen.