Speaking at the opening of a High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Mr. Methqal indicated that the choice of the theme “Artificial Intelligence as a lever for development in Africa”, embodies the Kingdom’s commitment in this area to contribute to finding innovative solutions for African communities that participate in the technological development of the Continent.
A major turning point in this regard was the holding of the first AI Forum in Africa, organized by UM6P in 2018 in Benguerir, to launch the milestones of African regional cooperation and maximize the potential of this new technology at the continental level, recalled Mr. Methqal, who is also president of the Francophone Network of South-South Actors and of the Tripartite Cooperation.
According to him, Morocco is a pioneer in the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on AI, the first normative instrument for the regulation of this new technology, in the United Nations system, adopted in 2021. A commitment that gives the Kingdom a leading position among Arab and African countries through the finalization of its AI Readiness Report, officially launched on May 17, 2024 in Rabat.
Morocco played a decisive role in the adoption by consensus, in March 2024, of the very first Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on AI, entitled “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for development”, he said, noting that the leadership as well as the constant and constructive support of Morocco having co-sponsored this Resolution, made it possible to arrive at a consensual and balanced text.
The adequate and effective integration of AI faces multiple challenges including disinformation and misinformation, unmatched access to AI applications, exacerbation of inequalities, lack of development of local African skills in AI, weak protection of privacy and personal data and the loss of cultural and ethical values associated with the preservation of heritage, he argued.
For Africa, the priorities are multiple, he continued, citing to this effect education and training as well as the strengthening of African capacities in the areas of new technologies, the strengthening of the capacities of young people in particular, the development of an infrastructure appropriate to research and innovation.
The recent initiatives, programs and steps launched by the Kingdom of Morocco, including this Forum, are part of the efforts made, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to strengthen South-South cooperation in all areas.
This ambitious and proactive Royal Vision has enabled the Kingdom to get involved in major development projects, particularly in accelerating digital transformation while adapting it to the needs of local populations, he stressed, noting that through the “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy, the Kingdom aspires to strengthen its investment in the growing potential that digital technology can play in accelerating human development.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this three-day international conclave is initiated by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) through its International Center for Artificial Intelligence of Morocco “AI Movement”, in partnership with UNESCO, and is attended by representatives from more than 30 countries, including around fifteen African countries, with the aim of laying the foundations for an African strategy dedicated to AI.
2024-09-17 02:19:34