Egypt hosts UN initiative roundtable on AI and human development

The event, held at Al-Azhar University, was attended by Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Executive Secretary of ESCWA; Dr. Ghada Waly, former UN Under-Secretary-General; Professor Salama Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University; and Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt. Minister Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's pride in hosting the event, which serves as a platform for dialogue on using AI to advance human development and the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted the symbolic significance of Al-Azhar University as the venue and detailed Egypt's steps toward AI governance, including the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies, the adoption of the National Framework for AI Governance in 2026, and the launch of the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that human development is central to the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aiming to leverage AI for enhanced government services, scientific research, startup support, youth empowerment, and national capacity building, while preserving Arabic language and cultural heritage. Egypt's vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, placing humans at the hear