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The first day of the third Global Artificial Intelligence Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh featured ministers responsible for technology and communications sectors, showcasing their countries' experiences in implementing regulations and controls to maximise the benefits of AI technologies.
GAIN is organised by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and runs through September 12.
Today's discussions focused on utilising AI to support and accelerate development programmes and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.
Ministers emphasised the importance of implementing regulations to neutralise the risks and threats associated with AI technologies and highlighted the need to use and benefit from AI in accordance with international ethics and norms.
South African Minister of Science and Technology and Innovation Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande commended the important role of the global summit hosted by SDAIA.
He emphasised that the summit provides an ideal environment and platform for international coordination.
He said this coordination would help developing countries keep up with and compete against technologically advanced countries through genuine international cooperation.
This technology is a significant contributor to the renaissance of countries and humanity.
Gabon’s Minister of Communication and Media Laurence Ndong emphasised her country's commitment to collaborating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop policies for governing and regulating AI technologies.
Such policies aim to ensure the optimal use of AI technologies for the benefit of Gabon's infrastructure and national development, she stressed.
Ndong also highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges and threats posed by these technologies to government institutions and societies, emphasising the need for international cooperation to ensure that AI serves humanity as a whole.
Bahrain’s Information and eGovernment Authority Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al-Qaed reviewed the experiences of several leading countries in AI fields.
He discussed the measures and regulations these countries had taken for the use of technologies based on value-based principles that preserve the ethics and culture of their people.
Bahrain is also following a similar path, taking into account the continuous and instant development in this field, he added. Legislation is being constantly developed, especially as it experiences significant and ongoing advancements.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Secretary of State Makara Khov emphasised that his country recognises the inherent dangers and threats posed by AI technologies.
He said Cambodia had taken significant measures to address such risks by implementing regulations and procedures governing the use of AI in government institutions and society.
He said the measures has enabled Cambodia to mitigate many risks and threats, while harnessing the potential of essential technologies such as AI.
Oman’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Undersecretary Dr. Ali Al-Shidhani agreed with the ministers and officials and noted the Sultanate’s successful experience using technologies to develop human resources in various fields and improve its education and health sectors.
Germany’s Ministry of Digital and Transport State Secretary Stefan Schnorr emphasised the importance of addressing the risks associated with technology, especially AI, at the social and geopolitical levels.
He called for collaborative efforts between countries and organisations to neutralise those dangers and promote innovation.
Serbia’s Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation State Secretary Dr. Miroslav Trajanovic warned of the rapid changes and advancements in AI technologies.
He emphasised the need for flexible and dynamic measures and laws that could be continually updated to keep pace with the evolving technologies.
Trajanovic stressed that effectively addressing the challenges and threats accompanying AI technologies required intelligence, professionalism, and the implementation of optimal ways and mechanisms to benefit from them.
Senegal Director of Information and Communication Technology Aissatou Jeanne Ndiaye confirmed that the Senegalese government had utilised AI technologies to support education and scientific research.
She emphasised the importance of considering these technologies' potential risks and threats and noted that measures, procedures, and regulations had been implemented to address such concerns.
