Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) announced the organization of an international conference on the opportunities and risks for Artificial Intelligence on Human Rights. It is set to take place May 27 and 28, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the National Cyber Security Agency, and other international entities active in the field of digital technologies and tools.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference will bring together approximately 800 partners from around the world, targeting government officials and policymakers, artificial intelligence and technology experts, human rights defenders and activists, legal professionals and AI ethics experts, as well as representatives of civil society organizations, academics and researchers, international organizations, private sector companies, and technology developers.
HE Vice Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, stated during a press conference today that the conference will serve as a platform for dialogue among stakeholders from governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, national human rights institutions, and international organizations. It aims to explore the dual nature of artificial intelligence as a tool for progress and a potential challenge to human rights and democracy, through panel discussions and working groups. He explained that the conference sessions will examine strategies to ensure the development and deployment of AI technologies in ways that uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and promote democratic governance.
He added that with the emergence of new needs that were previously unknown, such as the freedom of use and the necessity to protect individual privacy from breaches, and the increasing awareness of countries' cybersecurity to protect against digital hacking and espionage, and considering that these are transnational issues due to the nature of technology, it has become essential to regulate and manage these risks internationally and to encourage cooperation with United Nations organizations for legal regulation.
He pointed out that Qatar's national strategy has highlighted this in the field of artificial intelligence, which is based on six pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics, which together guide the state toward a future powered by artificial intelligence.
His Excellency noted that the Ministry of Interior has worked to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 and to maintain security and public order by using the latest technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen security and information infrastructure and protect human rights.
He explained that the key expected outcomes of the conference include a call to issue the Doha Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, increasing awareness of the implications of artificial intelligence on human rights, and enhancing cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure the development of ethical AI, among others.
He noted that the first day of the conference will feature an opening session followed by four main sessions, while the second day will begin with a general session for national human rights institutions, followed by four working groups distributed across eight sessions, and a general session to discuss recommendations, in addition to a final closing session.
He said that NHRC's view was that artificial intelligence will enhance public services, innovation, and economic growth, but that it would also pose risks such as privacy violations, bias, discrimination, and threats to freedom of expression. He stressed the importance of having the international community acting decisively to leverage the potential of artificial intelligence while minimizing its risks by developing frameworks that align with human rights and democratic values. He highlighted that national human rights institutions should play a key role in ensuring that artificial intelligence respects human rights through monitoring, advocacy, capacity building, and cooperation with national, regional, and international organizations.
The conference will address 12 main themes and topics around AI, such as the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing, AI's impact on privacy, algorithmic bias and discrimination, freedom of expression, the role of AI in content moderation, censorship, and preserving free speech.
Participants in the conference will also focus on AI governance and accountability, human rights-centered AI policies, transparency, and redress mechanisms. The conference will also discuss access and digital justice, ensuring fair access to AI resources and preventing the digital divide, in addition to the theme using AI for good by harnessing positive applications in health, justice, the environment, and education.
Experts participating will also address legal and ethical frameworks, laws, policies, and ethical standards for the responsible use of AI, in addition to the theme AI and security, whether in terms of militarization or armed conflict and ensuring human rights, as well as discussing AI and democracy, and the role of AI in shaping democratic institutions and promoting inclusive participation.
Conference participants will also address AI and the future of media through a human rights-based approach, with a focus on the themes of risk and innovation. The conference will also examine the transformations brought by AI in employment and job opportunities, and how it affects employment, labor rights, and economic inequality, while exploring challenges and prospects.
In the same context, the Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights Conference will be accompanied by an exhibition showcasing the transformative impact of AI on humanity's future, with particular focus on its influence on global challenges, society, and industries. It will also present topics such as ethical governance, human rights, and AI-driven innovation through real-world applications and future vision concepts.