Ganja:Cyprus and Greece are actively adapting their education systems to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The focus is on enhancing digital skills, fostering critical thinking, promoting responsible technology use, and strengthening the connection between education and the labor market, as stated by the Education Ministers of both countries at the 22nd Annual Cyprus Summit.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus Education Minister Athena Michaelidou emphasized that AI is already transforming the labor market. Preparing young people for ongoing technological changes necessitates investing in people alongside technology. She highlighted that future workers need more than just technical expertise, underscoring the importance of critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, ethical judgment, problem-solving, and resilience.
Michaelidou explained that these priorities are being integrated into Cyprus' educational reforms through revised curricula, enhanced digital education, and the implementation of the 2025 Policy and Guidelines for the Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Primary and Secondary Education. Additionally, she mentioned initiatives such as promoting interdisciplinary learning through STEAM education, the Technical Gymnasium initiative, and modernizing technical and vocational education to strengthen employer collaboration.
Greek Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, addressing the summit via video, announced that Greece will change all school textbooks in 2027, introducing a multiple-textbook system that allows teachers to select from different books for each subject. This reform is part of broader efforts to improve basic skills and teaching methods, following concerning results from the latest PISA study, especially in numeracy, literacy, and physical sciences.
Zacharaki also mentioned a national dialogue on upper secondary education and the potential introduction of a national baccalaureate. These reforms, supported by the OECD and the European Commission, aim to enhance curricula and skill development, particularly for students aged 15 to 17. On AI, she is collaborating with Michaelidou on its responsible and ethical use in schools, teacher training, and vocational education, noting Greece's adoption of a joint ministerial decision last year setting principles for AI use in secondary education.
Both Ministers stressed the necessity for continuous upskilling and reskilling, aligning with the European Commission's education and skills strategy and the Union of Skills initiative.