Press Release
The global struggle for power in artificial intelligence, and its implications for work, the economy, innovation and geopolitics, took centre stage at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit 2026, held on Wednesday, October 14, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. This year’s theme was “AI Wars – Challenging the Balance of Power: Life, Work, Country, Region”.
The summit brought together more than 1,500 participants and internationally recognised figures from technology, business, science, politics and the creative industries. Discussions explored the profound changes driven by artificial intelligence and their impact on societies, businesses and relations between countries.
This year’s event highlighted AI as a force transforming not only technology, but also the economy, employment, education, creativity and national security. It also examined the emerging international landscape as governments and technology giants invest billions in AI development in pursuit of a strategic advantage.
The debate around artificial intelligence is no longer confined to technological progress. It is directly connected to economic and political power, national security, the future of work and countries’ ability to help shape developments.
Former Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Kyriacos Kokkinos opened the summit, followed by a welcome address from Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos.
Kokkinos stressed that artificial intelligence must serve humanity, strengthening rather than replacing the human contribution. He also highlighted the need to adapt the economy, education and labour market to changing conditions, alongside the importance of attracting and developing talent.
Prountzos highlighted Nicosia’s role as a centre for international dialogue, noting that artificial intelligence has become an arena of geopolitical competition. He also stressed that technology’s true value would be judged by its ability to provide meaningful solutions to people’s needs.
International speakers from across various disciplines
The summit programme featured speakers with international experience across a range of fields, sharing their knowledge and perspectives on the challenges of a new era.
Nina Schick, a sovereign AI strategist and one of the most influential voices in the international debate on artificial intelligence and geopolitics, examined the infrastructure, energy, capital, talent and geopolitical ambitions driving AI development. Her address centred on one of the most pressing questions of our time: Who will build, control and ultimately benefit from the next generation of artificial intelligence?
Internationally recognised Cypriot academic and author C. L. Max Nikias, President Emeritus and Life Trustee of the University of Southern California, explored the global contest for AI dominance. He highlighted the decisive role of energy, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure and ethical choices, as well as the position Cyprus could secure in this changing global landscape.
Author, futurist and AI expert Matthew Griffin presented the technologies expected to transform how we live, work, learn and compete by 2040. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he examined how artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and other cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the global balance of power.
H.E. Mohamed Rashid Bin Taliah, the United Arab Emirates’ Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Experience Exchange, outlined the UAE’s progress towards a new model of public services that uses AI to anticipate and respond more effectively to citizens’ needs. His examples included passport renewals in five minutes, bringing together services related to housing, employment and family life, and the use of the UAE PASS digital identity. He also discussed the UAE’s goal of having 50% of government services delivered through autonomous AI assistants within the next two years.
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou presented the main pillars of the national AI strategy: wider adoption, the digitalisation of government, the development of essential infrastructure and investment in people. As he noted, the critical question is not only which AI model will prevail, but also how quickly countries can make effective use of new technologies. He discussed Cyprus’ potential in connectivity, alongside continuing challenges in data, computing power, infrastructure and digital skills.
Dimitris Dimitriadis, founder and CIO of Cogniveil AI, strategic futurist and author, explored how a small action can have a much wider impact, and how technology can become a tool for positive change.
Alexandros Christodoulakis, co-founder and CEO of Wealthyhood, focused on the use of AI in investing and financial education, while highlighting the enduring importance of human judgment in decision-making.
Leadership, creativity and human judgment
Leadership and business transformation were explored by Balazs (JB) Rooz, former Regional CEO of Bentley Motors Europe and founder of True Bearing Advisory, and Maya Rooz, executive adviser, keynote speaker and author. Drawing on their experience in leading international organisations, strategy and leadership development, they highlighted two distinct but complementary aspects of technological change: how technology is redefining value and luxury, and the need to protect human thought, concentration and judgment in the age of AI.
Award-winning Creative and Art Director Eva Povilauskaite brought another perspective to the discussion, examining the relationship between creativity, culture and technology. Drawing on her experience working with international brands including Volkswagen, Lufthansa, Nespresso and Warner Bros., she explored how companies can become a meaningful part of contemporary culture, and when AI can enhance or restrict the creative process.
Internationally recognised visual designer Charis Tsevis, whose work includes projects for Nike, Google, Ferrari, PepsiCo and IKEA, spoke about what creators must defend in the age of artificial intelligence. His address focused on curiosity, lifelong learning and, above all, quality.
The theme concluded with the panel discussion “Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, featuring Charis Tsevis, Eva Povilauskaite, academics Victoria Leonidou and Sophia Hadjipapa, and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Dr Demetris Trihinas. The discussion was moderated by SPP Media CEO Demetris Lottides.
Alpha Stage: From idea to business
Every business begins with an idea. But the journey from that first thought to building and growing a company is filled with decisions, challenges and changes.
The Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit 2026’s Alpha Stage brought this less visible side of entrepreneurship into focus, giving the floor to people who worked to turn their vision into a business reality.
Costas Yiasemi, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Dali, Nasos Katsiamidis, founder of KLIDI, and Stavros Kasinos, co-founder of CLEEDEE, spoke about their beginnings, the challenges they faced and the growth of their businesses.
Recognition for Professor Dr Loizos G. Loizou
A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Digital Agenda Recognition Award to Professor Dr Loizos G. Loizou for his longstanding contribution to paediatric oncology and his role in improving care for children with cancer and leukaemia in Cyprus.
Through his scientific and humanitarian work, he has made a vital contribution to strengthening paediatric oncology services and supporting children and their families, offering hope and the prospect of a better future.
Night Summit: Continuing the conversation in a more relaxed setting
Following the conference, the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit continued with the Night Summit in the outdoor area of the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. Participants had the opportunity to meet the speakers, exchange ideas and continue the day’s conversations in a more relaxed setting, with a barbecue, drinks and music by Deejay Radio 93.5 presenter Elias Chaldoupis.
Sponsors and supporters
The Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit 2026 was presented by Bank of Cyprus and CYTA.
The event was supported by JCC Payment Systems, LLPO Law Firm, EY Cyprus, Sepaga, Ascentium Fiduciary and Google.
Safe transportation was supported by BMW, represented by the Pilakoutas Group.
Participating institutions included the University of Nicosia, European University Cyprus, the University of Limassol, Frederick University and the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
The Alpha Stage innovation platform was supported by XM and Invest Cyprus.
The event was held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency and the Municipality of Nicosia.
Organisers: Kathimerini, V+O Cyprus | SEC Newgate Group and SPP Media Events.
