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    Category: Artificial Intelligence

    Artificial Intelligence

    ICESCO Launches Second Edition of “My Thesis in 1000 Words” with Special prize on Artificial Intelligence

    Posted on by aqeil aqeil

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World are pleased to announce the opening of the call for nominations for the second edition of “My Thesis in 1000 Words” Prize. This Prize is open to PhD students in universities across the Islamic world who have completed their theses and dissertations but have not yet defended them. The Prize is organized in partnership with the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Center at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, in collaboration with ICESCO Chair of Machine Learning in Remote Sensing at the same University, the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society, and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.

    This edition features two prizes in different fields: the first covering all disciplines, and the second is exclusively for artificial intelligence specializations in remote sensing and geographic information systems. A panel of experts and academics in the respective fields will evaluate the video applications to select five finalists in each theme for the final round.

    The selected candidates will be invited to Sultan Qaboos University to present their work in front of the jury at the final ceremony. The jury will select the first and second place winners, while the audience will choose the recipients of the audience prize for each category.

    Selection Criteria:
    • Fill out the registration form at:
    https://icesco.org/en/my-thesis-in-1000-words-2nd-edition
    • Record a video in one of ICESCO’s three working languages (Arabic, English, French), creatively presenting the thesis in less than 1000 words, to be submitted by 15 September 2024.
    • Video must be in landscape mode, recorded in a quiet place with clear sound and good lighting.
    • Name the video with the candidate’s full name and university.
    • The video must be in at least 1080p resolution and in MP4 format.
    • The file size must not exceed 500 MB.
    • Attach a summary in Word format not exceeding 1000 words with the registration form, carrying the candidate’s full name and university.
    • Winners of the first edition are not eligible to participate.
    The list of finalists will be announced at the beginning of November 2024, and the winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on 17 December 2024.
    For any inquiries, you can contact us via the following email addresses:

    fumi@icesco.org
    rsgis@squ.edu.om

    The inauguration of unprecedented updates to the Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah at ICESCO headquarters.. “Bashir” virtual character answers visitors’ questions through artificial intelligence

    Posted on by aqeil aqeil

    In response to the great success and popularity of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and cultural organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, new updates have been inaugurated in the Museum’s various pavilions in partnership between the Muslim World League, ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars. Most notable of these updates is “Bashir” which is the first AI-generated virtual character dedicated to the noble Seerah of the Prophet.

    This inauguration, on Friday (26 July 2024), saw the presence of Dr Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Morocco, and Dr. Nasser bin Musafer al-Qurashi Al-Zahrani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of International Exhibitions and Museums of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, representing Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League. They were received at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.

    The participants extended their thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his patronage of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization. They also expressed their thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, for honoring the Kingdom of Morocco with the first edition of this exhibition, which is originally headquartered in Medina.

    The participants in the inauguration expressed their happiness with the unparalleled success of the Exhibition and Museum at ICESCO headquarters since its inauguration by the Crown Prince of the kingdom of Morocco, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay El Hassan, on 27 November 2022.

    The inauguration began with a tour of the Exhibition’s new sections, most notably “Bashir” section, where Dr. Al-Zahrani reviewed the technical, encyclopedic and scientific capacities of this virtual character, pointing out that it interacts with visitors and answers all their questions pertaining to the Prophet’s biography, providing the exhibition visitors with a unique spiritual digital experience. The attendees praised “Bashir” after it accurately answered their questions, stressing that this step represents an innovative use of the latest technology to serve the biography of our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

    After that, the section “Prophets as if you see them” was inaugurated, It includes detailed encyclopedias about prophets and the key stations in their lives, in addition to the Encyclopedia “Signs of prophecy and miracles of the message”, which includes 50 thousand proofs from the Holy Quran and the noble Prophet’s Sunnah, and the Encyclopedia of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him), medicine and health prevention, which features hadiths related to prophetic medicine and ways to prevent diseases and epidemics.

    Afterwards, the short film “Story of Zamzam and the Sacred House” was screened in the cinema hall of the Exhibition, to which a number of new films have been added about the biographies of the prophets. The inauguration concluded with launching the development of the section of the greatest Minbar in the world and the trunk that yearned for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

    Dr. AlMalik, expressed his gratitude to their Excellencies and commended the joint and fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the Muslim World League, represented by its Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, represented by its Secretary General, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, which has achieved great successes, particularly the branch of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat.

    It is worth mentioning that this exhibition is the first edition of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization to be held outside Mecca and Medina, which is supervised by the Muslim World League in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of its Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

    Launch of New Initiative to Integrate Foresight and Artificial Intelligence into Educational Process in Libya in Partnership with ICESCO

    Posted on by aqeil aqeil

    As part of the partnership between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Libyan Ministry of Education, an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational and pedagogical process in Libya was launched in Tripoli. This initiative supports efforts to transform education by keeping pace with digital transformation in the educational system.

    This joint initiative was launched by ICESCO, the Ministry of Education, the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and the Libyan Delegation to the Organization. It included the convening of a three-day training, by ICESCO’s Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Centre, on strategic foresight for decision-making. This training is tailored for several officials and employees of the Libyan Ministry of Education, and aims at equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep pace with educational transformation and to establish a foresight unit within the Ministry. The launch also includes the development of a system for integrating AI into the educational process, with the participation of several international experts in the field.

    In his remarks at the opening of the training on Monday July 15, 2024, Dr. Musa Muhammad Al-Maqrif, Minister of Education, President of the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, expressed his gratitude to ICESCO for its cooperation with the Ministry in assessing the current situation and anticipating the future. This cooperation lays the groundwork for the initiative to integrate AI into the educational process.

    For his part, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Centre, emphasized the importance of adopting a foresight approach within institutions to make proactive and informed decisions while considering ethical implications. Dr. Hammami highlighted that this training is part of ICESCO’s efforts to enhance knowledge and innovation in the Islamic world.

    Through its practical workshops, the training aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of strategic foresight tools and techniques, future thinking trends and theories, and to enhance their capabilities in planning and identifying and analyzing key factors influencing change.

    Regional Workshop on Islamic World AI Charter Concludes Proceedings in Oman

    Posted on by aqeil aqeil

    On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, the Islamic World AI Charter for Asia and Middle East Regions Workshop concluded its proceedings. The two-day workshop featured rich discussions and an exchange of ideas among a select group of officials, experts, and representatives of ICESCO Member States. They presented the results of their discussions on the ethical principles of artificial intelligence to be included in the Charter, as well as their proposals for oversight and governance mechanisms to ensure the proper application of these principles.

    Participants in this workshop, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasized the necessity of drafting legal and ethical frameworks to govern artificial intelligence. The participants also stressed the need to carry this out in tandem with building human capacities to use AI and the importance of aligning the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence with international charters, while considering the specificities and values of the Islamic world. Moreover, they called for balancing innovation and scientific research with the protection of individual rights, stressing the importance of awareness-raising and capacity-building.

    At the beginning of the second day of the Workshop, held as part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at UTAS in Oman and in preparation for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave his remarks prior to the start of the working group discussions, where he underscored the necessity of integrating an ethical value system into the Charter to achieve its intended purpose, with a focus on creativity, individual freedom, and equity.

    Dr. AlMalik added that although the application of artificial intelligence across various domains yields substantial advantages, its unethical use poses significant risks, such as its use in preparing research and studies for academic degrees, which represents a form of academic plagiarism and corruption.

    In his statement, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the Center’s efforts and methodology in promoting the culture of foresight, foundational principles of methodological analysis, dynamic scenario building, and the use of the Arabic language in this domain.

    Speaking next, Dr. Said Bin Salem Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, stated that preparing the initial draft of the Charter’s articles is a significant step towards establishing a solid framework for AI ethics and governance in Asia and the Middle East.

    The second day’s agenda included brainstorming sessions to develop a comprehensive vision for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence. Experts and researchers were divided into four groups, each discussing multiple scenarios to derive several ethical principles necessary for better drafting of the Charter.

    Regional Workshop on Islamic World AI Charter Kicks Off in Muscat

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    The Omani capital, Muscat, is hosting the Islamic World AI Charter Regional Workshop (IWAIC) Asia and Middle East Regions, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The workshop kicked off on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, bringing together high-level participation from officials, experts, and researchers from 23 countries.

    This Workshop is part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics at UTAS in Oman and the Organization’s preparation and draft of the Islamic World AI Charter.

    The Workshop opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks by Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. Dr. Al-Rubaie highlighted that UTAS and ICESCO are focused on AI ethics and use, which is reflected in their joint plans and initiatives, mainly ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics, which was established this year at UTAS to address ethical issues arising from the advent of AI applications.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), began his speech with poetic verses in tribute to Oman and its people. Dr. AlMalik stated that scholars of the Islamic world have historically been at the forefront of advancing humanity.

    Dr. Al-Malik stated that the global AI market is growing at an annual rate of 33% and is expected to drive global economic growth by 14% by 2030. He added that AI market is projected to expand by at least 120% year-on-year and that 77% of the devices we currently use incorporate AI.

    The DG stressed that the Organization accords special attention to AI evident in its comprehensive foresight strategy for the field, particularly strategic governance and ethical dimensions. This focus, he explained, has led the Member States to task ICESCO’s General Directorate with drafting the Islamic World AI Charter.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by thanking the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Al-Jabri, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and the Omani National Commission for their significant efforts in organizing the Workshop, which will help open new horizons for the use of artificial intelligence.

    Speaking next, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the strategic and methodological framework for the IWAIC, emphasizing that the Charter is a milestone towards a prosperous and sustainable technological future for the Islamic world, aligning with its values and consolidating its position on the global stage.

    Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of ICESCO Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, presented an overview of the indicators used to measure countries’ readiness for artificial intelligence implementation, including “governance and ethics,” explaining that the differences in readiness among countries drive the Organization to work more on sharing experiences among its Member States to benefit from leading experiences.

    Dr. Said Bin Salim Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, discussed the prospects of development in artificial intelligence, its competition with humans and the need to keep pace with regulating research in this field, especially with regard to artificial intelligence ethics.

    At the end of the opening session, the workshop participants, including researchers and experts, were honored, and commemorative shields were exchanged between the heads of the organizing bodies and the patron of the event, followed by a group photo.

    The agenda of the two-day workshop features several interactive sessions, discussions, and presentations. Additionally, it includes the creation of working groups to exchange views and perspectives on artificial intelligence in Asia and the Middle East, as well as to discuss the ethical aspects related to its applications in the Islamic world.

    Signing of agreement to establish ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics in Sultanate of Oman

    Posted on by aqeil aqeil

    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.