Nicosia: Cyprus' Permanent Representative at the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, emphasized the need for responsible development and governance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, during her speech at the UNGA High-Level WSIS+20 Review. She highlighted the importance of aligning these technologies with human rights, data protection, and ethical standards. According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus aligns itself with the European Union's statement and is honored to speak in its national capacity. Ambassador Michael noted that two decades after the original WSIS, the world faces a pivotal moment in the future governance of the digital space. Cyprus supports the WSIS+20 Outcome Document, which reinforces existing commitments and agendas crucial for building an inclusive, human-centric, and development-oriented information society. Ambassador Michael reiterated the importance of human rights, openness, and interoperability as fundamental elements of the digital ecosystem. She stressed tha t digital governance must uphold international human rights law, ensure privacy, and trust, and protect democratic values in the face of rapid technological advancements. Cyprus strongly supports making the Internet Governance Forum a permanent UN body, aligning with the EU's goal of enhancing stability, inclusiveness, and continuity in global digital governance. Ambassador Michael highlighted that 2.6 billion people remain offline, disproportionately affecting developing countries, LDCs, and SIDS, drawing parallels with challenges faced historically by island states like Cyprus. Cyprus is committed to responsible AI governance, strengthening cyber capacity, and promoting a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens and partners. Digital technologies, she noted, play a vital role in advancing health, education, e-government, disaster preparedness, economic inclusion, and environmental resilience. Ambassador Michael concluded with a call to action, stating that the foundations are strong, the direc tion is clear, and it is a shared responsibility to deliver progress.