Global leaders convene in Hiroshima to chart ethical AI Pathways for peace
What you need to know:
- The occasion was momentous—a historic multi-religious conference dedicated to "The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Peace."
Hiroshima. In the serene city of Hiroshima, amidst the echoes of history and the promise of technological advancement, Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, stood before a diverse assembly of global leaders and thinkers.
The occasion was momentous—a historic multi-religious conference dedicated to "The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Peace."
Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah's presence underscored the vital role of peacemakers in shaping the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI).
For him, the integration of AI into the fabric of global peace efforts was not merely a technological venture, but a moral imperative deeply rooted in the mission of civilization itself.
He emphasized that harnessing AI's potential for the greater good, while mitigating its risks, was pivotal in nurturing peaceful societies worldwide.
Speaking at the conference, Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah highlighted the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) steadfast commitment to pioneering ethical AI development.
He attributed this leadership not only to substantial investments and cutting-edge infrastructure but also to a visionary strategy that places human values at the forefront.
Quoting UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he reinforced the idea that responsible technological advancement aligns with sustainable development, security, and prosperity for all.
The conference, themed around the "Rome Call," drew luminaries such as Japanese Minister of Digital Transformation, Mr. Taro Kono, and Microsoft Corporation President, Mr. Brad Smith. It served as a beacon of collaboration among diverse religious and cultural perspectives, united in their quest to establish ethical guidelines for AI deployment.
Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah reiterated the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum's pivotal role in endorsing the Rome Charter for AI Ethics, marking a significant milestone for Islamic and Arab representation in this global dialogue.
Reflecting on the UAE's global vision, Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah stressed that genuine peace required a paradigm shift—a transformation in how humanity perceives and interacts with itself and its environment.
He envisioned a future where AI, guided by ethical frameworks rooted in peace, virtue, and mercy, becomes a catalyst for rebuilding human relationships and fostering inclusive societies.
The Religion and Civil Society Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah chairs, was spotlighted for its proactive efforts in the UK and beyond.
Established just last year, the commission exemplified the UAE's commitment to forging international partnerships aimed at shaping AI policies that safeguard human dignity and promote global harmony.
As the conference concluded in Hiroshima, the resonance of Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah's words lingered—a call to embrace AI not just as a tool of progress, but as a beacon of hope for a world united in peace and shared prosperity.
In this pivotal moment, amid the backdrop of a city forever marked by history's stark reminders, the promise of AI as a pathway to global peace shone brighter than ever.
