"We are strengthening these accomplishments through the national strategy 'Morocco Digital 2030', which devotes a significant portion to Artificial Intelligence (AI)," said El Fellah Seghrouchni, who via videoconferencing from Rabat in a meeting on AI and Ethics, organized during UNESCO's Arab Week.

In this meeting attended by UN-accredited diplomats, including the Moroccan Ambassador Samir Addahre, the Minister explained the importance of AI and its ethical use in the Kingdom's digital transition strategy, highlighting its ability to support the digitalization of public services offered to citizens and businesses, as well as the development of digital economy.

In her view, AI encourages national players to develop high value-added services, in addition to attracting international operators in the sector. She considers that AI development depends on the training of competencies in this field, the promotion of scientific research so as to foster advanced technological solutions, and the strengthening of cooperation and partnerships with countries, institutions and global centers of excellence to benefit from best practices.

Aware of the role which AI could play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, (79%, according to estimates), she explained, however, that Morocco does not neglect the fact that it could also be a double-edged arm, urging to use it in an "ethical and responsible" manner. 

The minister shed light on the progress Morocco has made in this respect, recalling that the Kingdom is home to the first UNESCO Category II AI Center in Africa. Named "AI Mouvement”, which has been recognized as a center of excellence in the field of AI and data science on the African continent.

The conference provided an opportunity for participants of various Arab countries to share their experience in the field, highlighting the challenges posed to an ethical and responsible use of this technology to serve sustainable development. 

The Arab Week first edition, organized by UNESCO's Arab Group, with the support of Saudi Arabia, seeks mainly to enhance the position of the Arab culture in the UN organization, develop new partnerships between Arab countries, UNESCO and other member States, and to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.