First African high-level forum on AI wrap up with “Rabat Consensus”

Published: June 07,2024

Photo taken on June 3, 2024 shows the first African high-level forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Morocco in Sale, Morocco. The first African high-level forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) wrapped on Wednesday in Sale, northwestern Morocco, with reaching the “Rabat Consensus” on AI application in Africa. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

The first African high-level forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) wrapped on Wednesday in Sale, northwestern Morocco, with reaching the “Rabat Consensus” on AI application in Africa.

The forum was jointly organized by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Morocco and UNESCO, with the theme of “AI Technology: A Lever for Development in Africa.”

Representatives from about 30 countries and regions, including some 15 African countries, discussed the current status and prospects of AI technology in Africa at the three-day forum.

Delegates said that Africa cannot miss the opportunities brought by AI, as it plays a huge role in promoting educational equity, preserving African local culture, and realizing the rights of African women.

Meanwhile, Africa needs to unify its position and make its own voice heard in the global governance of AI technology.

The delegates adopted the “Rabat Consensus” on the application of AI technology in Africa, including striving to build a global and inclusive common framework for AI governance; promoting the use of AI technology in the public sector to serve the common interests of Africa; ensuring that AI serves everyone and its development should be based on ethical and human rights standards.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Tawfik Jelassi, Moroccan King Advisor Andre Azoulay, and Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi BenSaid attended the meeting. Enditem.

A student introduces a project of applying the AI technology to the restoration of buildings during the first African high-level forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Morocco in Sale, Morocco, on June 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

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