UAE Spearheads International Efforts To Infuse AI With Virtues, Says Bin Bayyah

In a significant move towards integrating ethics with technological advancements, Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, has highlighted the United Arab Emirates' pivotal role in leading global efforts to infuse artificial intelligence (AI) with moral values. This statement was made during his opening speech at the inaugural consultative meeting of the AI Faith & Civil Society Commission, which took place in Abu Dhabi from February 27 to 29.

The event saw participation from various prestigious entities, including representatives from the UK Government, the Vatican, the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at St. Edmund's College, Cambridge, and several leading AI organizations. The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Humanities and the UAE Council for Fatwa also played active roles in the discussions, alongside a diverse group of experts, researchers, and stakeholders from across the globe.

Shaykh Bin Bayyah elaborated on the UAE's strategic vision to bridge scientific progress with ethical standards, aiming to enhance human welfare, uphold dignity, and safeguard lives. He noted that the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace was among the first in the region to endorse the Rome Call for AI Ethics, aligning with major global institutions. Additionally, a partnership was established with both the Vatican's College of Life and the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion to further these objectives.

The emphasis was placed on the necessity for international collaboration and proactive measures to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. Shaykh Bin Bayyah stressed that AI systems and products should not only excel technologically but also be anchored in ethical principles. He advocated for a unified approach and relentless effort to ensure AI acts as a catalyst for positive change, contributing to a world characterized by tolerance, peace, and ethical integrity.

Participants at the meeting commended the UAE's influential leadership in the realm of artificial intelligence. They recognized the nation's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovative ideas and ethical technological progress.

The discussions underscored a collective ambition to navigate the complexities of AI development while ensuring that technological advancements serve humanity's best interests. This initiative reflects a broader global movement towards responsible innovation, where technology not only advances but also aligns with universal values of human dignity and ethical conduct.

With inputs from WAM