Muslim Council Of Elders Hosts Regional AI Ethics Workshop In Astana, Kazakhstan

A regional workshop titled "Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: A Sustainable Future" was held on 26th February 2025 in Astana. Organised by the Muslim Council of Elders' Central Asia branch, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, and the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, it gathered policymakers, academics, and industry leaders from Central Asia to discuss AI's ethical dimensions and its role in sustainable development.

The event featured notable figures such as Sydykov Yerlan Battashevich, Rector of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University; Zhakip Kazhmanovich Asanov, Senate Deputy Chairman; and Mohamed Elamin Atta Amin Mohamed, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia. Experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia participated to explore AI governance, human rights, and innovative applications in education and healthcare.

Key discussions at the workshop addressed ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. Topics included data privacy concerns, accountability measures, and strategies for bias mitigation. The event promoted governance models that ensure fairness and inclusivity in AI applications. This aligns with the Muslim Council of Elders’ mission to promote dialogue and ethical progress in technology.

The workshop also highlighted biometric data protection, synthetic medical data generation, and the digital potential of the Kazakh language. These topics reflect the region’s technological priorities and cultural values. By addressing these issues, participants aimed to align technological advancements with ethical standards.

A significant outcome of the workshop was a Memorandum of Understanding signed between L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and the Muslim Council of Elders' Central Asia branch. This agreement solidifies their commitment to ongoing collaboration on artificial intelligence ethics and innovation. It represents a step towards fostering long-term partnerships focused on responsible AI development.

The initiative extended beyond interfaith harmony to include responsible technological advancement. By fostering collaboration among academia, government, and industry leaders, the event aimed to deliver actionable policy recommendations for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. This reinforces the role of ethical innovation in building a more inclusive future.

The workshop concluded with a declaration affirming a shared commitment to responsible AI development. Participants expressed their dedication to creating policies that support ethical innovation across various sectors. This collaborative effort promises to contribute significantly to sustainable development in Central Asia.

With inputs from WAM