Nicosia: Cyprus’ Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maria Michael has highlighted before the UN Assembly on behalf of the Group of Friends of Culture the transformative potential of AI, and the need to enhance, not replace, the creative capacities of individuals and communities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, delivering a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Culture at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Michael thanked the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki, for her presentation and focus on ‘the protection and promotion of cultural rights in the digital age.’
The statement recalled the UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025 outcome document, recognizing the ‘transformative potential of AI’ to preserve cultural heritage, foster creativity, and ‘broaden access to culture.’ At the same time, the Group emphasized the need to ensure AI is developed and used ‘in a safe, secure and trustworthy manner, with full respect for human rights.’
Reaffirming that culture is ‘a cornerstone of sustainable development, social cohesion, humanism and peace,’ the Group underlined that ‘human creativity is at the heart of cultural life’ and stressed that technology must strengthen – not undermine – these values. It warned that digital divides and linguistic inequalities risk ‘marginalizing underrepresented cultures and languages.’
The statement concluded by asserting that ‘AI must serve as a tool to enhance, not replace, the creative capacities’ of individuals and communities.
The Group of Friends of Culture, now comprising 24 members from all regional groups, reiterated its commitment to advancing culture as ‘an enabler of sustainability and a driver of social cohesion, tolerance, peace, and inclusion.’