International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans, and around the world. In the article “Dialogue for a Responsible Technological Future”, Vladimir Norov, former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and SCO Secretary-General, emphasizes the importance of dialogue among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. He argues that only through such collaboration can we shape a future where technological development aligns with human dignity, ethical values, and social well-being.
International Institute IFIMES, through GA FG and the consortium of its global partners gathered almost 20 speakers of all generations, meridians and professions, and organised highly topical and much- needed summit on the future of the human race, enveloped in ever-evolving technology titled 'Technology-Mind-Health' on 4th December 2025, Geneva/Vienna.
This article outlines the key points from the keynote address delivered by Vladimir Norov, former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan (2006–2010, 2022) and Secretary-General of the SCO (2019–2021).
In recent years, the triad “Technology – Mind – Health” has moved from an academic question to a central challenge for governments, industries, and societies. Today, the ways in which we design, regulate, and apply technologies will increasingly determine not only economic outcomes, but also the psychological resilience and social well-being of entire nations.
As someone who has spent decades in diplomacy, international cooperation, and now in the development of artificial intelligence ecosystems across Central Asia, Norov has seen both the immense promise and the profound risks that accompany technological progress. The digital revolution has expanded access to knowledge, improved governance, and opened opportunities for millions. At the same time, it has created complex challenges for mental health, social cohesion, and the ethical foundations upon which our societies rest.
First, technological development is no longer isolated in the domain of engineers or computer scientists. It is a cross-disciplinary endeavour. Artificial intelligence influences behavioural patterns, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Digital platforms shape public discourse and can both strengthen and weaken democratic processes. And while new medical technologies expand diagnostic capabilities, they also introduce questions of trust, privacy, and equitable access.
Second, the relationship between technology and the mind has become increasingly asymmetric. Machines learn faster, scale instantly, and operate without fatigue. Humans do not. The pace of innovation has begun to surpass the pace of human adaptation. This gap is visible not only in education, but also in governance systems and labour markets.
As leaders, policymakers, and researchers, we must ensure that human capacities—intellectual, emotional, and ethical—remain at the centre of technological development.
This is where the issue of mental health becomes crucial. The World Health Organization now lists mental disorders among the leading causes of disability globally. Digital dependence, information saturation, and algorithmic manipulation are emerging factors. This brings us to the central issue: mental health. It’s a global crisis, and the digital world is a major contributor. We’re seeing the psychological toll of constant connectivity, algorithmic echo chambers, and the anxiety of technological displacement.
We should not overlook the silent but growing psychological burden created by constant connectivity and the erosion of genuine human contact. However, technology—especially AI—can also be part of the solution. With proper governance frameworks, AI can strengthen psychological well-being, support early diagnosis of mental disorders, and expand access to quality care in regions where professional resources are limited. In Central Asia, for example, digital tools are already improving telemedicine, multilingual education platforms, and data-driven public health strategies.
But for such progress to be sustainable, we need shared principles. To get this right, we need a new playbook, built on three core pillars:
First, human-centred design. Technologies must be evaluated not only for efficiency but for their impact on human cognition, behavioural health, and social relationships. We must resist the temptation to adopt systems simply because they are powerful or fashionable.
Second, ethical and inclusive governance. Countries at different stages of development should not be left behind. Without inclusive frameworks, digital inequality will deepen, leading to new forms of marginalisation and instability. We need global standards and cooperation to ensure no country, no community, is left behind. This isn't just about fairness; it's about global stability.
Third, strengthening resilience. Resilience is not merely the capacity to withstand shocks. It is the ability to maintain mental integrity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being amid rapid technological change. This requires interdisciplinary education, digital literacy, and policies that safeguard the mental health of young generations.
Our legacy will not be defined by the technology we invent, but by the wisdom we show in governing it. The goal is a future where technology doesn't replace us, but elevates us. Where it doesn't overwhelm the mind, but strengthens it. Our era is defined not only by technological innovation but by the responsibility to guide it wisely.
If we succeed, technology will amplify human potential, not diminish it. It will reinforce mental health, not compromise it. It will empower societies to solve problems, rather than create new ones.
The dialogue we have today, among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, is essential. No single institution and no single nation can address these challenges alone. But together, we can shape a future in which technological development is aligned with human dignity, ethical values, and social well-being.
Let us approach this future with confidence, cooperation, and a commitment to placing the human mind at the centre of technological progress.
Adapted from the Key note address given at the Global summit - 'Technology-Mind-Health', of 04th December 2025, Geneva/Vienna.
About the author:
Vladimir Norov is an esteemed international expert on the European Union, China, and Central Asia. He previously served as Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and as Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan. He holds the distinction of being an honorary citizen of the Chinese cities Lianyungang, Qingdao, and Yangling. Currently, he serves as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The article presents the stance of the author and does not necessarily reflect the stance of IFIMES.
Ljubljana/Geneva/Vienna, 23 December 2025
[1] IFIMES – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has Special Consultative status at ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018 and is a publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives”.
