Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ address via video-recorded message at the Online Event “UNESCO: Open Science – Artificial Intelligence. New Horizons, Visions & Boundaries” (15.02.2022)

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I participate in today’s event.

I warmly congratulate the “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation” and the “ELPIDA” Association of Friends of Children with Cancer for their highly commendable initiative.

The transformation of Science into Open Science is taking place at the global level.

Open Science will no longer be the exclusive privilege and benefit for the scientific community. It will become a field of social inclusion. In this way, citizens and communities will be able to co-shape research priorities, to play an active role in its development.

The importance of this evolution was demonstrated by the pandemic, highlighting, in the most emphatic way, the importance of open scientific practices for the advancement of research and the strengthening of links between science and society.

In this context, the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science encourages the adoption of open scientific practices.

At the same time, Open Science is a key priority of the European Union. It is recognized as a critical accelerator in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Scientific research has led, among other things, to a rapid increase in Artificial Intelligence applications.

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is a response to the new challenges that emerge. It emphasizes the benefits that artificial intelligence offers to society and seeks to reduce the risks involved.

The use of new technologies by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has led to a substantial improvement and acceleration of the services provided by the consulates. This became especially evident during the pandemic.

Despite the restrictive measures, the Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to deliver and serve the citizens.

Respecting international rules and human rights, we need to embrace scientific and technological achievements.

At the same time, we have a duty to ensure that they always work for the benefit of society as a whole.

I wish you every success from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you.