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ShareJEDDAH: Kuwait reiterated on 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 the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The message was 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 the 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), the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), and the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), she explained.
The first AI lab
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, as 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 Mishal 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, the 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 manage 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 the OIC, its General Secretariat, and the IPHRC for their commendable efforts in promoting and protecting human rights, congratulating Al-Mutairi on his leadership and expressing 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.
AI’s impact on human rights
The 23rd regular session began with Kuwait participating, along with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi. In his opening speech, IPHRC Chairman Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi noted the establishment of IPHRC as a significant milestone in OIC’s five-decade history. He underscored the need to study the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on fundamental human rights and called for a regulatory framework based on human rights principles to govern AI. Echoing this, OIC Secretary General Hissein Taha stated the organization’s continued support for IPHRC and its members in their human rights work.
He stressed the importance of understanding AI’s impact on human rights to ensure technological progress aligns with core rights and values, mentioning the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) leading the creation of the Islamic World Charter for AI. Despite acknowledging AI’s significance, the organization emphasizes alignment with Islamic principles and ethical considerations for responsible use.
Meanwhile, Al-Budaiwi pointed out the GCC and OIC’s roles in confronting challenges, mainly the Palestinian issue and ongoing escalations in the Gaza Strip, condemning Zionist occupation forces’ human rights violations and international law breaches against Palestinians, especially in Gaza. These violations expose the international community’s weakness in protecting those in dire need, he explained, urging global officials to convey the reality of the situation in Palestine, hold perpetrators accountable, and impose appropriate penalties.
He underlined the need for concerted efforts to tackle future threats like technological advancements and AI’s impact on privacy and digital rights, urging swift legislation to balance rights protection with technological progress. The session will continue until July 4, discussing “The Impact of AI on Human Rights” on Monday and “The International Court of Justice’s Ruling on Gaza” on Tuesday. The agenda includes various regular and closed discussion sessions, with the final report to be issued next Thursday. — KUNA
