Held at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport – Alexandria, July 1, 2024
The Arab Federation of Shipping (AFOS) participated in the Arab workshop on raising awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics in light of advancements in neurotechnology. The workshop was held in parallel with the Arab Regional Consultation Meeting on UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. AFOS was represented by Dr. Mohamed Awad, who attended on behalf of Mr. Mohamed Suleiman Metwally, President of the Federation.
The workshop commenced with an opening speech by Professor Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. He welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, for his patronage of the event. He emphasized the growing significance of AI-based technologies, which the Academy has prioritized, while underscoring the necessity of adhering to ethical principles in their application.
H.E. Dr. Raed Al-Jubouri, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of Arab Organizations and Federations at the Arab League, stressed the importance of increasing awareness of AI ethics and fostering international cooperation to establish global ethical standards for its use. Additionally, Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for Cairo and Sudan and UNESCO’s liaison to the Arab League, highlighted the significant benefits AI offers across multiple fields. However, she cautioned that without ethical regulations, AI could contribute to bias, discrimination, social divisions, and threats to fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The workshop was jointly organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and UNESCO through its regional offices in the Arab world, including the Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan, the Arab League Liaison Office, and the Regional Office for the Gulf and Yemen.
Workshop Sessions
The first session covered:
- Neurotechnology: Challenges of brain-computer interfacing.
- Enhancing research and innovation in AI ethics.
- Ethical AI applications in security and safety.
- ALECSO’s efforts to promote AI ethics in Arab countries.
The second session addressed:
- The Arab Organization for ICT’s perspective on AI risks and unethical applications.
- Establishing ethical standards for AI in higher education.
- Egypt’s efforts in drafting an AI ethics charter.
- The Arab League’s initiatives in promoting AI ethics.
In the second part of the workshop, consultations took place regarding UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. Participants included H.E. Dr. Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences; Professor Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport; and representatives from UNESCO’s expert group.