ABU DHABI: Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, has affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is well positioned to spearhead collaborative international efforts to embed virtues in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Bin Bayyah made the remarks in the opening speech he delivered at the first consultative meeting of the AI Faith and Civil Society Commission, organised by the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace in Abu Dhabi from February 27 to 29. The meeting was attended by representatives of the UK Government, the Vatican, the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at St. Edmund’s College, Cambridge, and a number of major AI organisations, with active participation from the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Humanities and the UAE Council for Fatwa, as well as a number of experts, researchers, and stakeholders from around the world.
He added that the meeting embodies
the UAE’s vision by convening within the framework of the Forum to address the global concern of connecting scientific development with ethical frameworks. “These frameworks aim to elevate the human condition, preserve dignity, and protect lives.
‘The Forum was the first institution in the region to join the Rome Call for AI Ethics, alongside major international institutions and bodies. The Forum also signed an agreement with the Vatican’s College of Life and the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion.’
He emphasised the need for international cooperation, solidarity, and proactive action to navigate the mixed blessings and challenges presented by AI advancements. He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI systems and products are not only technologically sophisticated but also ethically grounded. He further underscored the importance of collective effort, continuous work, and decisive leadership to shape a future where AI serves as a force for good and technological advancements contribute to build
ing a more tolerant, peaceful, and ethical world.
The participants lauded the UAE’s influential role in leading the field of artificial intelligence, fostering a vibrant space for innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements.
Source: Emirates News Agency