In an exclusive statement to Medi 1 TV, Mr. Hilale highlighted the four main issues of this resolution which will be adopted this Thursday by the United Nations General Assembly.
The first issue is political, to the extent that “it was time to reach a UN consensus on a common and collective and not fragmented perception” on the subject of AI, in the face of the proliferation of regulations and initiatives , observed in recent years, he explained.
The second issue, continued Ambassador Hilale, concerns the imperative to have a common vision of AI applications which must be reliable, inclusive, human-centered, development-oriented and law-based. international, adding that the third concerns the need to promote an inclusive dialogue between countries, partners and different stakeholders (companies, research laboratories, private sector, etc.).
As for the fourth issue, he said, it relates to optimizing the exploitation of AI for the implementation of development objectives.
“If we can harness AI optimally, developing countries in particular will save time and enormous amounts of money, energy and human resources,” he said.
Asked about the potential of AI as a strategic development lever for Africa and Morocco, Mr. Hilale recalled that the African continent is lagging “abysmally” in the field of new technologies, in general, and in AI in particular, emphasizing that this resolution helps developing countries and all countries of the South to reduce this gap and to cooperate together.
He thus indicated that the areas of cooperation include in particular the transfer of technologies, the financing of the development of AI, the collective exploitation of applications, as well as various other sectors such as agriculture, health, the fight against climate change and poverty, and food security.
The Moroccan diplomat further noted that developing countries in general, and Africa in particular, must not remain behind in the implementation and especially in the appropriation of Artificial Intelligence, because “it Their development is at stake.”
“Morocco, which was the advocate of developing and especially African countries during the negotiation of this resolution”, is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence at the continental level, specifying that the Kingdom hosts, within the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) the international artificial intelligence center “AI Movement”, the first of its kind in Africa.
This center, he recalled, is a pioneer in the field of research and sharing of Moroccan experience in this area with brotherly and friendly countries, indicating that the Kingdom will welcome, next June, the first AI Summit, which will be organized jointly with UNESCO.
“We are proactive, dynamic and united with the countries of the South, whose development is at the heart of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s strategy for a continent that takes care of itself,” he concluded.
Time.news Exclusive Interview with Mr. Hilale on the Upcoming UN Resolution on AI
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Mr. Hilale. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the important UN resolution on artificial intelligence. This resolution will be adopted by the General Assembly this Thursday. Can you start by explaining what prompted the need for a unified approach to AI regulations?
Mr. Hilale: Thank you for having me. The rapid proliferation of AI technologies has led to a fragmented landscape of regulations and initiatives across various countries. We reached a point where it was crucial to develop a common, collective perception of AI, rather than allowing differing regulations to create barriers and uncertainty. This resolution aims to establish a consensus that fosters collaboration and understanding among nations.
Editor: You mentioned four main issues that the resolution addresses. Can you elaborate on the political aspect of this initiative?
Mr. Hilale: Certainly. The political dimension emphasizes the urgency of reaching a common ground. A unified stance on AI will help streamline efforts to create regulations that are aligned with international standards. Right now, discrepancies in regulations can hinder the potential of AI and create complications for entities operating across borders.
Editor: The second issue relates to a common vision for AI applications. What does this vision entail, and why is it essential?
Mr. Hilale: This vision focuses on ensuring that AI applications are reliable, inclusive, human-centered, and oriented toward development while respecting international law. It’s crucial that as we harness AI, we do so in a manner that is ethical and serves humanity as a whole, rather than a select few. An inclusive approach can mitigate potential biases and ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone.
Editor: You also spoke about promoting inclusive dialogue between countries and various stakeholders. How do you envision this dialogue taking shape, and who should be involved?
Mr. Hilale: An inclusive dialogue is essential for fostering cooperation. We need to bring together countries, private sector entities, research laboratories, and civil society representatives. This multifaceted dialogue can provide diverse perspectives and insights, driving collaborative solutions to common challenges posed by AI. By engaging all stakeholders, we can harness collective expertise and resources and ensure that AI development is not only about technology but also about social equity.
Editor: The fourth issue revolves around optimizing AI for development objectives. How do you see AI being particularly beneficial for developing countries, especially in Africa and Morocco?
Mr. Hilale: AI has the potential to be a strategic development lever, especially for developing nations that face resource constraints. If utilized effectively, AI can help save time, money, energy, and human resources, significantly accelerating development goals. For example, in Morocco and across Africa, AI can enhance agriculture, healthcare, and education, contributing to sustainable growth and improved quality of life.
Editor: You mentioned that Africa is lagging in terms of new technologies and AI. What steps can African nations take to leverage the opportunities presented by this resolution?
Mr. Hilale: African nations can seize this moment by prioritizing investment in technology education and infrastructure. Building partnerships with international organizations, tech companies, and educational institutions can facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building. Additionally, engaging in pilot projects and initiatives that focus on using AI to address local challenges can create a robust foundation for future growth in this field.
Editor: As we approach the adoption of this resolution, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the future of AI in the global context?
Mr. Hilale: I would urge readers to recognize that AI is not just a technological advancement; it’s a transformative force that can reshape our societies. As we move forward, collaboration and thoughtful regulation will be key to ensuring that AI is developed and utilized for the benefit of all humanity. By working together, we can ensure a future where AI contributes to equitable and sustainable development around the world.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Hilale, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing the impact of this resolution on the global stage.
Mr. Hilale: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these critical issues with you.