If you open the government's online portal, a digital assistant guides you through every step until your request is completed. A doctor receives recommendations from artificial intelligence systems before making a final clinical decision. In the classroom, students do not simply use AI tools but learn how they work, when they can be trusted and what their limitations are.
This is the picture of Cyprus in 2032 outlined in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which seeks to establish rules and a common direction for a technology that is already transforming the way we live and work.
At the centre of the plan is the modernisation of public administration. The strategy provides for the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Authority, the appointment of AI Officers in ministries and major public organisations, and a requirement for every ministry to develop its own AI strategy.
At the same time, the development of shared digital tools is being promoted, including multilingual service assistants, intelligent document management systems and the Digital Citizen and Digital Company portals, enabling more services to be delivered electronically and with less bureaucracy.
The goal is that by 2032, the use of artificial intelligence will have expanded across most of the public sector, reducing citizen service times by as much as 40%.
From the classroom...
Education is one of the strategy's key pillars.
The plan aims to establish Cyprus as a European hub for artificial intelligence in education through a national knowledge framework that will accompany students from primary school through to the completion of their studies.
Different learning objectives are envisaged for each age group, allowing children to gradually develop knowledge relating to data, algorithms, safe use, critical thinking and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
The document makes clear, however, that artificial intelligence will not replace teachers.
Instead, every AI tool will operate under the guidance of a teacher, who will remain responsible for evaluating content, assessing its suitability for students' ages and ensuring compliance with GDPR and the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act.
At the same time, through the FutureAI CY programme, micro-certifications, reskilling programmes and lifelong learning initiatives will be promoted through cooperation between the state, universities and businesses, ensuring that AI skills evolve alongside labour market needs.
The objective is to increase the use of artificial intelligence in education and employment from 13% to 75% by 2032.
...to Gesy
Similar changes are proposed in healthcare.
The strategy provides for the creation of a National Health Data Repository, on which artificial intelligence applications will be developed to support healthcare professionals in their daily work.
These include intelligent patient-triage tools, digital assistants for doctors and nurses, and a Virtual AI Patient Orchestrator, designed to facilitate the coordination of patient care.
The document insists that artificial intelligence will not replace a doctor's clinical judgement but will function as a supporting tool for safer and faster decision-making.
At the same time, the strategy sets a target for half of all healthcare professionals to be trained in the use of AI applications by 2032.
The big challenge
Despite its ambitious objectives, the strategy itself acknowledges that success will not depend on technology alone.
Its implementation will require funding, staff training, oversight mechanisms and continuous evaluation of outcomes.
For this reason, particular emphasis is placed on transparency, human oversight of every application, the protection of personal data and compliance with the European regulatory framework.
The public consultation is only the first step.
Whether this vision moves from the pages of the strategy into the daily lives of citizens will depend on whether its goals are translated into concrete projects, with clear timetables and measurable results.
