Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) will hold its annual international conference on May 27 on AI and Human Rights. The conference will be held in cooperation with local, regional, and international partners, and will be attended by relevant international organizations, a number of international actors in the field of technology and digital transformation, experts, and academics.
According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day conference targets government officials, policymakers, experts in artificial intelligence and technology, human rights defenders, activists, legal specialists, representatives of civil society organizations, technology developers, private sector companies, academics, and researchers.
In this context, HE Chairperson of the NHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stated that the conference serves as a platform for dialogue between stakeholders from governments, civil society, academia, and other actors, aiming to explore the dual nature of artificial intelligence as a tool for progress and a potential challenge to human rights and democracy.
Her Excellency highlighted that the conference sessions will delve into strategies to ensure the development and deployment of AI technologies that support the rule of law, protect human rights, and promote democratic governance. The event aims to explore the impact of AI on human rights and fundamental freedoms, analyze the opportunities and risks associated with AI from a human rights perspective, and present best practices and standards for the ethical use of AI. This will be achieved by engaging with policymakers, technology experts, civil society, and the private sector to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue and propose actionable recommendations within this framework, ensuring that AI development aligns with human rights principles.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee expressed that the conference is anticipated to produce the Doha Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. The declaration will focus on raising awareness of the implications of artificial intelligence for human rights, developing best practices and guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and providing recommendations for policymakers to regulate artificial intelligence in a manner consistent with human rights standards. Additionally, it seeks to enhance cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
She further explained that the conference's main sessions will feature high-level speeches from senior leaders in relevant organizations, followed by group discussions with diverse speakers specializing in technology, ethics, law, and human rights. Case studies from organizations, companies, and researchers on the use of artificial intelligence and its impact on human rights will also be reviewed.
Emphasizing the international nature of artificial intelligence issues, she stressed the need for global regulation and control of its risks, encouraging cooperation with United Nations organizations to legally regulate AI.
HE Al Attiyah pointed out that the State of Qatar's national strategy underscores this approach in the field of artificial intelligence, based on six axes: education, access to data, employment, business, research, and ethics. These factors collectively guide the country toward a transition to the future of artificial intelligence.
She noted that the Qatari Ministry of Interior has worked to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 and maintain security and public order using the latest technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance security, information infrastructure, and protect human rights.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee emphasized the significant role of artificial intelligence in enhancing public services, innovation, and economic growth, while also acknowledging the associated risks such as privacy violations, bias, discrimination, and threats to freedom of expression.