The Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides participated in the first-ever AI and Web Festival Summit, a leading global event for digital economies, held on September 11-12, 2024, in Dubai.

The Summit was held under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is the first of its kind to be organized in the world. The event was highly successful, attracting over 6,800 participants, 20 global enterprises, 20 government entities, and top venture capitalists.

According to a press release, Skourides participated as a panelist in a session, titled “Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency”, alongside esteemed government officials, including H.E. Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, and H.E. General Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi, General Director of AI at Dubai Police.

During the panel, Skourides emphasized the role of AI in transforming public sector operations, particularly by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving public service delivery. He outlined how AI technologies can significantly enhance citizen experiences by providing personalised and seamless e-government services. The introduction of Cyprus’ Digital AI Assistant, set to pilot by the end of 2024, was highlighted as a crucial step toward achieving more efficient and user-friendly government services.

In his remarks, the Chief Scientist noted that AI holds the potential to revolutionise public services. Through automation, predictive analytics, and advanced customer service tools like AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, he stated that public sector organisations are poised to improve productivity and deliver superior services to citizens. He also spoke about the current AI pilot projects of the office of the Chief Scientist aimed at automating document processing and summarisation, further reinforcing Cyprus' commitment to innovation in public sector operations.

The panel discussion also delved into key AI-driven best practices in data management and governance. Skourides highlighted success stories from the UAE, such as robust data governance frameworks that ensure transparency, traceability, and security—crucial for building public trust in AI systems.

According to the press release, the panel further explored how AI can deliver personalized citizen services. Drawing parallels with initiatives like the UAE’s Ministry of Happiness and the Happiness Meter, Skourides emphasised how these UAE success stories serve as a benchmark for citizen satisfaction can serve as models for Cyprus as it continues to advance its own AI and public service strategies.

In his concluding remarks, Skourides underscored the need to focus on data-driven solutions and how AI can support the citizen’s journey through data flows and analytics. He also discussed the importance of developing a comprehensive AI governance framework that reinforces ethics, security, and a human-centric approach to AI implementing EU AI Act. He also stressed the significance of investing in research and development to ensure that AI applications comply with national and regional regulations.

Additionally, the Chief Scientist stressed the importance in developing smart applications as building blocks enriched with AI technologies to support public servants and citizens. He concluded by stating that data is the new oil, and AI is the new energy, stressing that open, transparent, and explainable AI and data science platforms must be developed to fuel growth. He highlighted the importance of embracing AI responsibly, leveraging its power for progress while ensuring it is implemented within the bounds of legislation, without stifling innovation.

During his participation, the Chief Scientist had the opportunity to meet and exchange views on digital innovation and the importance of AI with H.E. Khalfan Belhoun, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Mrs Anusha Dandapani, Chief Data & Analytics Officer United Nations International Computing Center (UNICC) US.