UAE Hosts WeProtect Global Summit 2024 To Address Online Child Exploitation Challenges

The UAE Ministry of Interior is set to host the WeProtect Global Summit in Abu Dhabi on December 4-5, 2024. This event will gather global leaders, decision-makers, and experts to address technological trends impacting the fight against online child exploitation and abuse. The UAE previously hosted this summit in 2015 and has actively participated in all past events, highlighting its commitment to global cooperation for humanity's benefit.

The UAE's selection as host underscores its esteemed global standing and the respect it commands worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in online child sexual exploitation and abuse. In response, the WeProtect Global Alliance, comprising over 310 governments, companies, and charities, is co-hosting this summit with the UAE Ministry of Interior to prompt urgent action against this critical issue affecting children globally.

This year's summit will feature a report by WeProtect Global Alliance and Thorn titled "Evolving Technologies Horizon Scan." This report examines emerging technology trends based on insights from over 300 global experts. It aims to spark discussions on how governments, civil society, and the tech sector can stay ahead in protecting children from harm. Key technologies like predictive AI, generative AI, end-to-end encryption, extended reality, decentralization, and quantum computing are explored.

The event will be held both physically in Abu Dhabi and online under the theme "Focus on the Future." It will bring together top government officials, tech innovators, child protection experts, and survivor advocates to tackle pressing challenges in safeguarding children in the digital age. The summit seeks to strengthen partnerships among governments, technology providers, and social media companies to collectively build a safer digital environment.

Attendees will engage with thought leaders who will share strategies for enhancing children's safety online. Interactive sessions will allow delegates worldwide to collaborate on innovative solutions for protecting children online. Notable speakers include Baroness Joanna Shields OBE; Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi; Nina Jane Patel; Mama Fatima Singateh; Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid; Evan Spiegel (recorded); Courtney Gregoire; John Buckley; Chelsea Carlson; Chloe Setter among others.

The summit expects participation from ministers of countries such as Singapore, Serbia, Turkiye, Kuwait alongside leaders from organizations like INTERPOL and civil society groups. Experts from diverse regions including Nepal to Australia are anticipated to attend. Discussions will focus on tackling AI-generated child sexual abuse material challenges arising from modified images or deepfakes.

Addressing Technological Challenges

Insights from law enforcement agencies along with technology experts will highlight trends in AI-driven abuse while addressing current risks faced by children online. Initial findings from research conducted by WeProtect Global Alliance with Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding health impacts related to responding against online child exploitation will also be presented during this summit.

The summit aims at exploring whether regulations can keep pace with rapid technological changes ensuring children's safety online remains paramount amidst evolving threats globally prevalent across majority countries today.

Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi stated: "By co-hosting the WeProtect Global Summit," adding that "the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its unwavering commitment" towards fostering international cooperation combating online child exploitation emphasizing need for united efforts protecting children globally through collaborative platforms driving meaningful solutions forward together educating families creating safer digital world everywhere."

Iain Drennan commented: "Child sexual exploitation isn’t inevitable—it’s preventable." He emphasized that "this Summit is about driving real action" stopping heinous crimes escalating rapidly sophisticatedly evolving technologies posing risks yet offering opportunities harnessing innovation protect them uniquely uniting world leaders civil society tech giants alongside voices children young people survivors tackling issue head-on exploring advancements implications future generations free threat exploitation abuse."

With inputs from WAM