Artificial intelligence is a test of human values

Experts in the field of artificial intelligence and officials in government administration have confirmed that artificial intelligence is a test of human values ​​in the era of open data, considering that the responsibility to use tools and achieve transparency is considered the most difficult equation in the world currently. They told Emirates Today that there is a recent regional report being launched in partnership with Google on the governance of artificial intelligence in 10 Arab countries, explaining that digital transformation has become a necessity that leads the future of governance and leadership in the Arab world, which calls for empowering leaders with artificial intelligence tools, and enhancing transparency and responsibility in employing them.

The CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid College of Government, Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, told Emirates Today on the sidelines of the Arab Forum for Public Administration in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence that enabling government leaders to adopt and apply artificial intelligence technologies has become an urgent necessity and not an option, especially since the world today is experiencing an unprecedented stage of transformation led by artificial intelligence, which has become the essence of change in various sectors.

He added: “Leaders must personally lead the process of transformation towards the use of artificial intelligence tools, and be qualified and capable of understanding these technologies and employing them in developing government performance and enabling employees to use them effectively,” adding that this requires adopting a culture of continuous learning, especially since its importance today is greater than ever before.

He continued: “Artificial intelligence will not change leaders, but it will change those who do not learn. A leader who does not develop himself and does not use these technologies will find himself outside the circle of influence in the future.”

He pointed out that learning is no longer limited to traditional training programs, but has become open and available, thanks to digital development and the spread of knowledge sources via the Internet and artificial intelligence technologies.

In response to a question from Emirates Today about governance, the Head of the Governance and State Building Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Dr. Younis Abu Ayoub, confirmed that the issue of achieving a balance between transparency and integrity on the one hand, and the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques on the other hand, represents a global challenge that is not limited to the Arab world alone, but is faced by the entire international community.

He said: “Technological modernization and artificial intelligence are not an end in themselves, but rather they are means to achieve the ultimate goal, which is building more honest, efficient and just institutions.”

He said that the UAE represents an advanced model in the field of modernizing public administration and the use of artificial intelligence, pointing out that Dubai has made great strides that have made it at the forefront of Arab countries in this field. He added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also making remarkable progress in the field of digital transformation and enhancing artificial intelligence in government work systems.

The Director of the Policy Research Department of the Mohammed bin Rashid College of Government, Dr. Fadi Salem, told Emirates Today about the details of the new regional report on the governance of artificial intelligence in the Arab region in partnership with Google: “The preparation of the report came in partnership between the Mohammed bin Rashid College of Government, Google, and related economic systems in the Arab region,” stressing that this research project comes as a culmination of a full year of intensive academic work, with the aim of supporting decision makers and developing effective policies in this field. Bio.

He explained that the report focused on analyzing the reality of artificial intelligence in 10 Arab countries, highlighting the challenges facing governments in the governance of this sector, in addition to the obstacles hindering the growth and sustainability of emerging companies working in the fields of artificial intelligence in the region.

He added: “The report seeks to present a realistic picture of the readiness of Arab countries in the field of artificial intelligence, and to identify strengths and opportunities that can be built upon, in addition to the challenges that need to be urgently addressed to ensure the acceleration of the pace of digital transformation in our region.” He stressed that “artificial intelligence is an essential pillar in building the economic and cognitive future of countries. Hence the importance of having a unified Arab vision for the governance of this sector, which balances innovation and responsibility, between technical openness and preserving human values.”