“We are in the process of strengthening these achievements through the national strategy “Morocco Digital 2030” which devotes a significant part to Artificial Intelligence (AI),” underlined Ms. El Fallah Seghrouchni, who spoke by videoconference from Rabat at a meeting on “AI and ethics”, organized as part of Arab Week at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Association (UNESCO).
During this meeting, which took place in the presence of diplomats accredited to the UN institution, including the ambassador-permanent delegate of the Kingdom of Morocco, Samir Addahre, the minister explained the interest given to AI and its ethical use in the national digital transition strategy through its capacity to support the digitalization of public services offered to citizens and businesses and the growth of the digital economy.
Artificial Intelligence makes it possible to encourage national players to develop service offerings with high added value, in addition to attracting international operators in the sector, indicated Ms. El Fallah Seghrouchni, who believes that the development of AI remains dependent on training skills in this area, promoting scientific research in ways that foster advanced technological solutions, and strengthening cooperation and partnerships with countries, institutions and global AI centers. excellence to benefit from best practices.
Aware of the crucial role that AI could play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (79%, according to estimates), Morocco does not neglect, though, the fact that it could also constitute a double-edged sword, noted the minister, who insists on the imperative of using it in an “ethical and responsible” manner.
Ms. El Fallah Seghrouchni took this chance to highlight the progress made by morocco in this area, recalling that the Kingdom is home to the first UNESCO category II AI Center in Africa. Named “AI Movement”, it has been recognized as a center of excellence in the field of AI and data sciences on the African continent, we recall.
Furthermore, the minister noted that Morocco was one of the first countries to align with the UNESCO suggestion on the ethics of artificial intelligence, which reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to implement this recommendation which aims to take advantage of AI technology while limiting its potential risks.
She also cited the conclusions of the UNESCO Report assessing Morocco’s state of readiness for AI which highlights that the kingdom has developed its digital ecosystem, in particular regarding connectivity, access to data, cybersecurity and protection of personal data. these are all critically important elements for addressing the issue of Artificial Intelligence, according to the minister who also notes that Morocco is ranked, according to the report, 35th for Open Data Watch 2022 (among 195 countries).
The conclusions of the report were detailed during the meeting as part of an intervention by Zineb Hallouly, project manager at the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, focused on “the ethics of AI and Morocco’s achievements in this area.
The conference was notably an opportunity for speakers representing different Arab countries to share their experiences in the field of AI, emphasizing the challenges of ethical and responsible use of this technology in the service of sustainable development.
The first edition of the Arab Week, organized by the Arab Group of UNESCO, with the support of Saudi Arabia, aims in particular to strengthen the status of Arab culture within the UN organization, to develop new partnerships between Arab countries, UNESCO and other Member States, or promote intercultural dialog and mutual understanding.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and AI expert Shoumia El Fallah Seghrouchni
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. El Fallah Seghrouchni. It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially given the exciting developments happening in Morocco regarding digital innovation and AI.
El Fallah Seghrouchni: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Morocco, and I’m thrilled to share our vision on “Morocco Digital 2030” and the role of AI in it.
Time.news Editor: that’s great to hear! Let’s dive right in.Can you elaborate on the national strategy “Morocco Digital 2030” and how it integrates AI as a vital component?
El Fallah Seghrouchni: Absolutely. “Morocco Digital 2030” is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming our digital landscape. A important portion of this strategy is dedicated to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence.Our goal is to ensure that AI not only drives innovation but also aligns with ethical standards and societal values.
Time.news Editor: that’s quite enterprising! What specific initiatives are being planned to strengthen the achievements in AI?
El Fallah Seghrouchni: We are focusing on several key initiatives. Firstly,we aim to invest in AI research and progress by collaborating with academic institutions and the private sector. We are also working on establishing AI hubs to foster innovation and encourage startups. Additionally, we emphasize capacity building and training, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills.
Time.news Editor: Capacity building sounds crucial. Though,there’s frequently enough concern about the ethical implications of AI. How does the Moroccan strategy address these challenges?
el Fallah Seghrouchni: That’s an excellent point. Ethics in AI is a priority for us. During the recent meeting on “AI and Ethics” within the context of Arab week, we highlighted the importance of developing AI systems that are transparent, explainable, and fair. We are committed to creating regulations that guide AI development while ensuring it serves the public interest.
Time.news Editor: It’s reassuring to hear that ethics are being prioritized. Can you share some of the potential benefits you foresee for Morocco from this AI strategy?
El Fallah Seghrouchni: Definitely! I see numerous benefits. Enhancing sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education with AI can lead to increased efficiency and improved service delivery.For example, in agriculture, AI can definitely help monitor crop health and optimize resource use. Ultimately,we expect these advancements will drive economic growth,create jobs,and improve the quality of life for our citizens.
Time.news Editor: Those applications sound impactful! How can international collaboration play a role in bolstering Morocco Digital 2030?
El Fallah Seghrouchni: International collaboration is vital. We are looking to partner with countries and organizations that have strong AI ecosystems. Knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and sharing best practices can definitely help us leapfrog towards achieving our strategic goals. Moreover, it fosters a global dialog on ethical standards which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration certainly seems key. Lastly,what message would you like to convey to our readers about AI and Morocco’s future?
El Fallah Seghrouchni: I wont to emphasize that AI is not just about technology; it’s about people and their potential. As we advance into this digital future, let’s ensure that we remain human-centric in our approach, fostering innovation that is inclusive and beneficial for everyone. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Morocco and the region.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ms. El Fallah Seghrouchni. Your insights on “Morocco Digital 2030” and the integration of AI are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
El Fallah Seghrouchni: Thank you for the possibility! I’m excited about what lies ahead.