As part of the youth exchange in the Republic of Cyprus, participants from Bulgaria and Cyprus took part in a special training on “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Leadership in the New Era,” organized by the Academy of Security and Defense in Nicosia.
The lecture was led by Colonel Simeon Zambas, director of the Academy and chairman of the European Union Military Secondary Schools Forum (EUMSSF). He shared his experience and vision regarding the role of new technologies in the development of defense, education, and the formation of values among young people.
The event was carried out with the assistance of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria, whose partnership contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and the successful realization of the visit.
The official Bulgarian delegation supporting institutional visits includes:
– Rositsa Kirova – Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee for Citizens’ Direct Participation
• Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
• Tanya Mihaylova – Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Education and Science
– Monika Yanakieva – Director at the Center for Human Resource Development
• Col. Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit
– Col. Iliya Milushev – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
– Mariana Shoteva – Chair of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
– Giuseppe De Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv
• Iliana Andonova – Representative of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria
Colonel Zambas emphasized that artificial intelligence is changing not only how we think about security but also how leadership is developed. In his lecture, he highlighted key principles for combining technological advancement with moral responsibility and human values.
“No one in uniform would die just for their salary—they would give their life for ideals and values! Today, we must teach artificial intelligence to recognize these very values.”
The training included practical discussions through which young people exchanged experiences and ideas on applying AI in education, communication, and public security. Participants worked on real cases related to the ethical use of technology, fake news, and digital identity.
The session concluded with a summary that knowledge and technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. It emphasized that Europe’s future depends on combining innovation, education, and shared values of security and peace.
Association “Youth Guard Teams” holds Accreditation No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000297794 under the Erasmus+ program, which ensures sustainability and long-term development of projects in the fields of youth policy, leadership, and civic education.
The organization actively participates in international initiatives aimed at building values, responsibility, and innovative thinking among young people, including meetings and joint training sessions in the Vatican and Montenegro.
Photos by: Milen Torbev
