The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, signed an agreement establishing the ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at the University. The Agreement aims to encourage research, development, and innovation in the field of ethics and AI algorithms, and support researchers through organizing training activities, and exchanging information, skills, and best practices in the field.

The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, on Wednesday 17 January 2024, during the 44th Session of ICESCO’s Executive Council in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Agreement, the Chair aims to support academic efforts in developing research programs, addressing the challenges posed by technology in the field of artificial intelligence, and identifying the risks associated with its unethical use. Furthermore, the Chair seeks to explore the best practices for applying and governing AI applications in a way that upholds fundamental rights and freedoms, protects personal data, consolidates privacy, and promotes equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of using smart and advanced technologies. The Agreement also provides for standards and ethical principles that enhance learning environments.