Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah Advocates For Global Ethical Framework For Artificial Intelligence

Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa and President of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, has urged the creation of a global ethical framework for artificial intelligence (AI). This framework should unite religious, intellectual, and scientific leaders with technical experts and policymakers. The goal is to ensure emerging technologies benefit humanity, respect human dignity, and foster global peace.

During the "Ethics of Artificial Intelligence" seminar in Dubai, organised by the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace with the World Economic Forum (Davos), Bin Bayyah highlighted this need. The event was part of the "Faith and Technology Dinner" and attracted religious leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and AI experts worldwide.

Bin Bayyah noted that in today's world, the challenge is not technological advancement itself but ensuring it serves humanity rather than harms it. He stated that humans are distinguished not only by their knowledge but also by their understanding of its purpose and their ability to use it for collective good.

He warned that scientific or technological progress without a moral compass can easily turn from constructive to destructive. Therefore, he advocated for a global ethical system grounded in shared human values from religions and philosophies—particularly mercy, fairness, wisdom, and truthfulness.

Emphasising that AI should not become "intelligence without conscience," Bin Bayyah stressed that human values like wisdom must be embedded within AI. These values act as safeguards to balance power with awareness of consequences and align innovation with responsibility.

He commended the UAE's forward-thinking approach under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE has positioned technology as a tool for peace and sustainable development. He referenced the UAE’s statement at the United Nations General Assembly affirming its commitment to ethical technology use respecting human dignity.

A Collective Responsibility

Bin Bayyah concluded by stressing that responsibility in this area is collective and crosses national borders. It requires collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders to translate values into policies, principles into laws, and visions into practical actions. This way, artificial intelligence can become a global force for good, contributing to a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world.

With inputs from WAM