AI’s Central Role in Reshaping the Modern World
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a comprehensive driving force that is reshaping various aspects of contemporary life, directly impacting government operations and decision-making. This statement was emphasized by the Secretary-General of the Arab League during the opening of the fifth Arab Public Administration Forum in Dubai, themed “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Government Administration.”
The Global AI Race
The Arab League chief highlighted the intense global competition to acquire advanced AI models, likening it to an arms race. He cautioned that this frenetic pursuit risks overshadowing crucial discussions surrounding labor markets, societal implications, and the ethical use of AI technologies.
Abul Gheit acknowledged the significant investments—amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars—made by major powers and multinational corporations in the development of advanced AI models. He pointed out that some of these models have military applications that could materially affect the global balance of power.
Social and Economic Implications
Despite the rapid advancements in AI, discussions regarding its social and economic impacts remain insufficient. The Secretary-General emphasized that these issues are particularly pertinent to Arab nations, where the majority of the population is under 30 years old, and employment is closely tied to social and political stability.
Abul Gheit urged the need for immediate and comprehensive discussions on the impact of AI on employment and the ethics governing its use, stressing that these topics must not be overlooked.
Integrating AI in Education and Governance
He advocated for the integration of AI models into education and scientific research in a manner that promotes innovation rather than replacing it. Practical plans should be developed to embed AI technologies into institutional work, government administration, planning, and the provision of public services.
The Secretary-General commended several Arab nations for their proactive approach to keeping pace with swift advancements in AI through capacity building, transformative training programs, and international collaborations. Notably, Saudi Arabia and the UAE now rank among the world’s top 20 countries on the Artificial Intelligence Index, with other Arab states also making the top 100.
A Unified Arab Vision for AI
The Arab League has placed significant emphasis on AI, expressing confidence in the Arab region’s potential to make a qualitative leap in this field. Efforts have been directed towards shaping a unified Arab vision to maximize the benefits of AI and the digital economy, while also mitigating associated risks and enhancing regional integration.
This vision has been translated into actionable steps, including the adoption of the Arab Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which serves as a guiding framework for policy development, innovation, technology localization, and governance.
Ethics and Governance in AI
In January, the Arab Charter for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and its strategic action plan were approved by the Council of Arab Ministers of Communications and Information. This serves as a shared reference to balance innovation with societal responsibility. The Arab Artificial Intelligence Initiative, adopted at the recent Arab Development Summit in Baghdad, aims to enhance joint Arab action and foster expertise exchange in AI governance.
Conclusion
As the forum concluded, the Secretary-General expressed hope that it would pave the way for sustained and meaningful partnerships. He underscored the urgency for Arab governments to engage with the rapid advancements in AI technology, stating, “The future is taking shape now, and we must not remain detached from its trajectories.”
