International conference on artificial intelligence and human rights kicks off in Doha

Doha, Qatar: The international conference titled Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future com...

Doha, Qatar: The international conference titled "Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future" commenced today in Doha, organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA), the UN Development Programme, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Huawei, and other key international stakeholders in digital technology and governance.

The opening ceremony was attended by HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, HE Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Thani, and HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and a number of senior officials.

In her keynote speech, HE Chairperson of the NHRC Mariam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah emphasized that choosing AI as the central topic of this conference reflects its growing significance and the necessity of deeply understanding its current and future implications. AI presents immense opportunities to enhance various human rights, including healthcare, education, access to information, freedom of expression, and personal security.

However, Her Excellency warned of the potential ethical risks, such as bias and discrimination, the widening digital divide, privacy violations, increased unemployment due to job losses, and the severe consequences of AI systems that pose direct threats to human life. Addressing these concerns requires a human rights-based approach to AI development, ensuring transparency, oversight, evaluation, accountability, and remedies in cases of AI-related human rights violations.