FM inaugurates Egypt-hosted roundtable of UN initiative on AI, human development

CAIRO - 28 June 2016: Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, inaugurated the first roundtable of the Egypt-hosted United Nations initiative on artificial intelligence and human development, on Sunday.

The event was held at Al-Azhar University and attended by Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group; Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); Dr. Ghada Waly, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Professor Salama Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University; and Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.

In his opening remarks, Minister Abdelatty said he was proud to host this important international event, which serves as a platform for dialogue on how artificial intelligence can be used to advance human development and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

He noted that holding the roundtable at Al-Azhar University carries symbolic significance, reflecting the university's historical role as a beacon of knowledge, thought, and dialogue, and a bridge connecting the authenticity of heritage with the vision of the future.

Minister Abdelatty also noted that Egypt has taken serious steps toward building a comprehensive national framework for AI governance. This includes establishing the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies; adopting the National Framework for AI Governance in 2026; and launching the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI. These are steps that together strike a balance between supporting innovation, protecting individual rights, and building trust in the use of technology.

The Foreign Minister said human development is the cornerstone of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in its first and second phases (2025–2030). The strategy aims to leverage AI applications to enhance government services, promote scientific research and innovation, support startups, empower youth, and build national capacities, while paying particular attention to preserving the Arabic language and cultural heritage and ensuring equitable, inclusive access to technology.

Minister Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt's vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and is grounded in placing human beings at the heart of the digital transformation process. He stressed that the application of AI must help strengthen social justice and comprehensive development, and that technology must remain in the service of humanity, supporting peace, stability, and prosperity.

He also expressed hope that the roundtable's discussions would strengthen international efforts to promote AI governance, support implementation of the Future Charter, and enrich the work of the UN's Independent International Scientific Committee. This, he added, would deepen international cooperation in this vital field and help ensure that modern technologies are used to serve human development and build a more sustainable, inclusive future.