Day: September 16, 2023

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ICESCO holds workshop on Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) held a first-phase workshop in preparation for drafting the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The outcomes of the workshop will aid in making provisions and sharing insights on the future of AI applications and contributing to enhancing the use of modern technology in full respect of universally shared humanitarian ethics, ICESCO said on its website.

The workshop was held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat under the supervision of ICESCO Centre of Strategic Foresight and Legal Affairs and International Standards Department on Friday 15 September 2023, under the theme “Drafting the Future of Artificial Intelligence” and with the participation of several university students, tech experts and CSOs representatives.

Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department, stressed the importance of the ethical framework that ICESCO strives to place while developing AI tools and highlighted the need to abide by these ethical principles.

Dr. Marc-Antoine Dilhac, Director of Algora Lab and Professor of ethics and political philosophy at Université de Montréal, presented a definition of artificial intelligence, touched on the ethical and social challenges it poses and highlighted the most critical and binding ethical principles that will aid in preparing our societies to face the digital transformations, while preserving the human ability to create.

The workshop concluded with a practical part, supervised by Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Centre of Strategic Foresight and Dr. Marc-Antoine Dilhac, in which the participants were divided into four groups to formulate different visions aimed at enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in the fields of education, science, culture and human sciences and discussing ethical issues. These insights were the topic of the final session of the workshop.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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First Saudi relief plane leaves for Libya to help flood victims

In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the first Saudi relief plane left today from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, for Benina International Airport, in Benghazi, Libya.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the plane was carrying 90 tons of food and shelter material to be distributed to those affected by the devastating floods witnessed by Libya.

A Riyadh-based King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) team that manages the distribution of relief aid in coordination with the Libyan Red Crescent is set to supervise the delivery of the items dispatched.

The aid is testimony to the noble humanitarian role played by the Kingdom’s leadership, which always stands by friendly countries in times of crises and hardships.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Bahrain participates in G77 + China Summit

Deputised by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, has participated in Group 77 plus China (G77 + China) Summit on “Science, Technology and Innovation”.

Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, in addition to presidents and heads of governments of the Group Member states, attended the summit, held in Havana, Cuba.

Addressing a session held today, the Foreign Affairs Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Cuban President, as well as their wishes for success to the summit.

Dr. Al-Zayani said that the kingdom stresses the importance of the role played by G77 + China in promoting effective international cooperation, reiterating Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation in science, technology and innovation, in addition to all necessary development fields, out of its belief that the challenges facing developing countries can be turned into real work opportunities, through unifying efforts, energies and capabilities.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain, as a pacifist country, constantly seeks to promote peace in the region, and harmonious coexistence among all the its diverse peoples,” he said, noting that the kingdom’s goal is to create a safe, sustainable environment in which differences in religion, sect, race, creed, or ideology do not hinder progress, or prevent the pursuit of peaceful relations.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain believes in the importance of protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs,” he added.

“In today’s complex world, which is characterised by many challenges and conflicts, it is necessary to reaffirm our commitment to peaceful means of resolving conflicts and promoting understanding among nations,” he said, adding that “the Kingdom of Bahrain firmly believes that dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation are the basic pillars of achieving sustainable peace and stability.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister called on G77 + China to step up its collective efforts to address the pressing issues facing developing countries, noting that the kingdom recognises the importance of comprehensive and equitable development in guaranteeing the well-being of all individuals and leaving no one behind.

He also indicated that Bahrain believes that empowering people, especially the most vulnerable, and promoting sustainable economic growth, will achieve stability and prosperity for all.

“Bahrain believes in the importance of investing in knowledge-based industries to build a sustainable competitive economy. Through its national strategy for the communications and information technology sector and the digital economy, the kingdom affirms its commitment to devoting a culture of innovation and research, and benefiting from science and technology as tools to enhance productivity, promote entrepreneurship, confront societal challenges, and focus on vital areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation,” he added.

He indicated that, based on its belief in the principles of international cooperation, Bahrain renews its call to involve governments and regional organisations in formulating sustainable solutions to crises, exchanging best practices, and supporting initiatives that bridge the gaps between developing countries and developed ones to ensure that the benefits of scientific progress are accessible to all, which will pave the way for achieving the common vision of creating a peaceful and prosperous world capable of facing challenges.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Education Minister announces results of second re-sit exams for grade 9 students

Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Education Minister, has announced that the marking of the second re-sit exams for the third intermediate students who had failed to pass their exams last year or the previous years has been completed.

The minister unveiled that 90 out of the 126 students who sat the second re-sit exam had passed, with a success rate of 71%, noting that the remaining 36 students either failed again or missed their exams.

Dr. Juma expressed delight at the results, confirming the effectiveness of holding a third round for failing students.

He congratulated those who passed their second re-sit exams, adding that they will receive their certificates from their intermediate schools and join secondary schools.

Regarding the re-sit exams for secondary and technical students, the Education Minister said that the marking process is underway and that their results will be announced by the end of next week.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad attends opening ceremony of 2023 World Wrestling Championships

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President, today attended the opening ceremony of the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.

His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, GSA Deputy Chairman, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Zoran Gajic, Serbian Sports Minister, Bozidar Maljkovic, Serbian National Olympic Committee President, Dr. Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, GSA’s CEO, and Fares Mustafa Al-Kooheji, BOC Secretary-General, were present.

HH Shaikh Khalid expressed his pleasure at attending the opening ceremony, based on the official invitation he had received.

His Highness praised the outstanding success of the ceremony and the massive presence of sports leaders and representatives of wrestling associations from various countries.

HH Shaikh Khalid affirmed the distinguished status enjoyed by Serbia in the sports fields, which entitles it to host various international championships, wishing it a successful organisation of the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.

Source: Bahrain News Agency