Muscat,
Acting in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is organizing the first regional workshop for Asia and the Middle East on the Charter of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Islamic World.
The two-day workshop is being conducted within the context of growing global interest in artificial intelligence and the need to regulate the ethics of its use. The workshop reflects a dedication to advanced executive plans, programmes and strategic initiatives.
The ISESCO’s drafting of the “Charter of Ethics for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World” has been envisaged in implementation of the ISESCO’s resolution issued at the organization’s 43rd session held in Morocco in December 2022.
The opening of the workshop was held under the auspices of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
Dr. Said Hamad Al Rubai’ee, Vice-Chancellor of UTAS, said, “This regional workshop constitutes a major step forward promoting consultation towards the enactment of the AI Charter”.
He added that the workshop reviews successful experiences for establishing a strong framework for the ethics and governance of AI in Asia and the Middle East.
Dr. Salim M. Al Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed the importance of the workshop in exchanging visions among experts from ICESCO countries and beyond.
The workshop is the first activity undertaken by the “ISESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics”, said Al Malik, noting that the organization accords attention to enlightened vision and strategic approaches for devising a framework of human values that regulates AI and protects individuals’ rights and the confidentiality of their personal data.
Today’s activities include discussion panels under the theme of regional visions and perspectives about the applications of AI in Asia and Middle East Regions. Tomorrow, Wednesday 3 July 2024, the participants will present proposals on AI ethics and governance and embark on drafting a first document for “The Islamic World Charter on Artificial Intelligence”.
The workshop brings about experts and representatives of organizations specialized in information technology and artificial intelligence, as well as stakeholders in new technology, members of civil society institutions and doctorate students from ISESCO member states in the region.
