Kuwait Asserts Commitment To Human Rights Principles In AI

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) JEDDAH, June 30 (KUNA) -- Kuwait reiterated Sunday its commitment to human rights principles in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) related to personal data, privacy, intellectual property, education, and work, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and preserving human dignity regardless of modern changes.
This statement was made during Kuwait's speech at the 23rd regular session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, delivered by Diplomatic Attache Jana Al-Dhafiri.
Al-Dhafiri pointed out the importance of discussing recent developments in AI and technology, noting that the session's topics were significant and worthy of study, which indicated that the impact of AI now extends beyond individuals and has become an integral part of international relations.
She underlined the importance of properly utilizing AI tools to benefit users in fields such as health, education, and environment.
Al-Dhafiri echoed the call of IPHRC Chairman Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, for extraordinary measures to bridge digital gaps and foster innovation, including creating a comprehensive global regulatory framework and unifying efforts to advance a free, open, and secure digital future centered on human rights.
Kuwait has kept pace with technological and digital advancements by establishing specialized bodies like the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), and National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), she explained.
Kuwait has made significant strides in AI, being a global leader in developing the communications and information technology sector for two consecutive years, with internet usage reaching 99.7 percent of the population, she said.
In education, Kuwait University (KU) established its first AI lab in 2001, and in 2019, Abdullah Al-Salem University (AASU) was founded with a focus on modern technology and AI, Al-Dhafiri mentioned.
Kuwait hosted the 16th International Conference of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences last April, under the sponsorship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, focusing on AI's role in enhancing health and achieving Islamic Sharia objectives, she pointed out.
Additionally, Kuwait held a Chief Information Officers (CIO) Summit earlier this year in collaboration with CAIT, Supreme Council for Planning and Development (SCPD), and NCSC, in partnership with several global tech companies, she said.
Kuwait has launched two national strategies for AI and digital transformation to align with its comprehensive e-government initiative, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the country's development vision, New Kuwait 2035, focusing on building creative human capital and effective governance, she explained.
Kuwait believes in the importance of a regulatory and ethical framework for AI to ensure optimal benefits and a human-centered approach, she stated.
The unanimous UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution last March on AI to protect personal data and human rights, and managing risks serves as a strong foundation for collaboration with stakeholders, including governments and private companies, to preserve human dignity, she mentioned.
Despite AI's benefits and opportunities, Al-Dhafiri noted the emerging challenges and risks, such as the potential for inequality and social and economic justice disruption, necessitating a balanced approach to sustainable development.
She called for constructive international cooperation based on human rights and dignity to tackle these challenges.
Kuwait encourages all countries to adopt frameworks for AI regulation, support projects, and empower entrepreneurs to develop AI in ways that serve humanity, creating new developmental opportunities for sustainable progress.
Al-Dhafiri acclaimed OIC, its General Secretariat, and IPHRC for their commendable efforts in promoting and protecting human rights, congratulating Al-Mutairi on his leadership and expressed gratitude for the organization and preparation of the conference, hoping that its goals and outcomes would be realized through cooperative efforts among OIC member states.
Kuwait's delegation to the session was led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, accompanied by Kuwait's Consul General in Jeddah and Permanent Representative to the OIC Mohammad Al-Mutairi and other officials. (end)
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