As part of ICESCO’s Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) program, the Social and Human Sciences Sector at the Organization held a seminar titled “AI and Peace: Harnessing Technology in Peacebuilding and Development” for ICESCO’s Young Peace Ambassadors. The event aimed to highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in promoting peace, development, and social cohesion, and to discuss global challenges impacting humanity worldwide.

At the opening of the seminar, held on Wednesday 23 October 2024 in-person and via videoconference, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive concept of peace by leveraging the vast potential offered by modern technology.

For his part, Mr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of Nigeria and Co-chairman of the African Council for Science, Research and Innovation, elaborated on ways technology is transforming peacekeeping efforts and conflict prevention globally.

Following the opening remarks, Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, delivered a presentation on the ICESCO’s Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the development of AI technologies in alignment with the values and principles of the Islamic world.

In addition, Ms. Lama Arabiat, Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Directorate at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Jordan, presented the Ministry’s initiatives to support capacity-building programs for youth in AI. Dr. Syed Iftikhar Shah, Director of Digital Research at the Digital Cooperation Organization in Saudi Arabia, discussed the role of AI in advancing the digital economy and fostering sustainable development. Additionally, Mr. Emad Kiyaei, Co-Founder of AiXist, addressed global challenges arising from the convergence of AI technologies with advanced weapon systems, such as nuclear and biological weapons.

The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session during which ICESCO’s Young Peace Ambassadors posed questions to the speakers, who responded and engaged in a fruitful discussion.