Speaking at the 1st High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Bensaid stressed that AI would contribute to "moving away from a logic of pure passive consumption towards a logic of production".

In this regard, he pointed out that AI can be used to get out of the logic of "silent heritage" and to make "monuments speak", noting that it now associates the worlds of technology, applied sciences and industrial progress with that of heritage, creativity and humanist values.

Bensaid also said that Africa, AI and culture constitute a particular triptych, given the enormous cultural wealth of the continent and its numerous and dynamic youth, recalling that His Majesty King Mohammed VI placed the national project and emergence under the sign of culture and human capital.

On the other hand, the minister highlighted the role of AI in consolidating a free and transparent society, fighting fake news, democratizing access to media tools and protecting copyright, warning however against its potential use to undermine social ties, trust and democracy.

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence is initiated by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) through its Moroccan International Center for Artificial Intelligence “AI Movement”, in partnership with UNESCO.

This three-day international event brings together representatives from over 30 countries, including some 15 African countries, with the aim of laying the groundwork for an African strategy dedicated to AI.