Cyprus and Greece are adapting their education systems to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on digital skills, critical thinking, responsible use of technology and closer links between education and the labour market, the two countries’ Education Ministers said on Tuesday.
Addressing the 22nd Annual Cyprus Summit, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said AI was already transforming the labour market and that preparing young people for continuous technological change required investment in people alongside investment in technology.
She stressed that future workers would need more than technical expertise, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, ethical judgement, problem-solving and resilience.
Michaelidou said these priorities were being incorporated into Cyprus’ education reforms through revised curricula, stronger 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.
She also referred to the promotion of interdisciplinary learning through STEAM education, the Technical Gymnasium initiative, which combines general education with practical learning, and efforts to modernise technical and vocational education and strengthen cooperation with employers.
Greece to change all school textbooks in 2027
Greek Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, who addressed the summit via video connection, said Greece would change all school textbooks next year and introduce a multiple-textbook system, allowing teachers to choose between different books for each subject.
She said the reforms formed part of wider efforts to improve basic skills and teaching methods, following worrying results in the latest PISA study, particularly in numeracy, literacy and physical sciences.
Zacharaki also referred to a national dialogue on upper secondary education and the possible introduction of a national baccalaureate, with support from the OECD and the European Commission, including through its Technical Support Instrument. The reforms aim to strengthen curricula and skills development, particularly among students aged 15 to 17.
On artificial intelligence, she said she was working closely with Michaelidou on its responsible and ethical use in schools, as well as teacher training and vocational education. She noted that Greece had adopted a joint ministerial decision last year setting out principles for the ethical and appropriate use of AI in secondary education.
Both Ministers referred to the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling, in line with the European Commission’s education and skills strategy and the Union of Skills initiative.