The Permanent Committee on Human Rights hosted a dialogue session yesterday on artificial intelligence and human rights in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, supported by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law.
The meeting was organized under the title “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights – Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”, providing an opportunity to assess the relationship between artificial intelligence technologies and human rights, and how to utilize technology to achieve sustainable development goals. The discussion also focused on developing governance structures to ensure responsible use of these technologies and establishing an ethical framework to prevent exacerbating equality gaps due to artificial intelligence.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Za’habi, the Attorney General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and adopting a human-centric approach in the field of artificial intelligence during his session opening. He pointed out the necessity of utilizing technology in the interest of everyone based on these principles.
Hind Al Owais chaired the session attended by several renowned experts, including Imran Sharif, Sameera Ahmed, and a fellow in leadership of policies at the Florence School of Governance through Nationality.
The speakers highlighted that the development of artificial intelligence-based technologies and applications provides unique opportunities for global economies, individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole.
On the other hand, experts pointed out the dangers that the global society may face if a suitable governance structure for artificial intelligence is not established.
The discussion provided an opportunity to review the ethical issues related to artificial intelligence, and the necessary future steps to reach a global agreement on this topic, in addition to its impact on human rights and sustainable development.
Imran Sharif spoke during the session about the efforts undertaken by the UAE in this context, emphasizing the state’s commitment to directing artificial intelligence for the benefit of society and protecting personal rights and freedoms. He also stressed the importance of cooperation with regional and international partners to enhance principles of equality, inclusivity, and sustainability, to be the basis of global governance of artificial intelligence in the future.
Sameera Ahmed stated that it is essential to benefit from diverse experiences and opinions, including women and marginalized groups, to enrich global dialogues on responsible governance of artificial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the design and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in ways that preserve human rights, enhance equality, ethical innovation, and protect the environment. The dialogue session took place yesterday as part of a series of events organized by the Permanent Committee on Human Rights and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy to provide a platform for exchanging views and highlighting best practices for protecting human rights.
These events align with a long-term strategy adopted by the UAE, aiming to collaborate with regional and international partners to protect and promote global human rights in accordance with international commitments.
In this context, the Human Rights Committee plans to hold an event on business and human rights next month, with the participation of experts from the United Nations and international academic researchers.
