Published Date: 04/07/2024
In a historic move, the inaugural High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa took place from 3 to 5 June 2024 at the Mohammed VI Polytechnical University in Rabat, Morocco. This momentous event brought together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, with a shared vision of harnessing AI for Africa's development.
The three-day forum witnessed intense deliberations, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. The outcome of these deliberations was the establishment of the AI Movement as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. This centre will play a crucial role in promoting AI-driven innovation, capacity building, and ethics in Africa.
Another significant outcome of the forum was the launch of the African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence A Call to Action. This landmark document outlines a shared vision and roadmap for Africa's AI development, emphasizing the need for responsible AI adoption, data privacy, and digital inclusion.
The establishment of the AI Movement centre and the launch of the African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence mark a new milestone in Africa's AI journey. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for the continent's economic growth, social development, and digital transformation.
UNESCO's involvement in this initiative is a testament to its commitment to promoting education, culture, and science in Africa. The organization's endeavour to build durable peace and sustainable development is closely tied to its support for AI-driven innovation and capacity building in Africa.
As Africa embarks on this exciting journey, it is essential to prioritize AI ethics, data governance, and digital literacy. The African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence provides a solid foundation for achieving these goals and ensuring that AI benefits all Africans.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
The Mohammed VI Polytechnical University, located in Rabat, Morocco, is a leading institution of higher education and research in Africa. The university is known for its strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and has established partnerships with top international universities and organizations.
Q: What was the outcome of the High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Africa?
A: The outcome of the forum was the establishment of the AI Movement as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO and the launch of the African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence: A Call to Action.
Q: What is the African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence?
A: The African Consensus of Rabat on Artificial Intelligence is a landmark document that outlines a shared vision and roadmap for Africa's AI development, emphasizing the need for responsible AI adoption, data privacy, and digital inclusion.
Q: What is the role of the AI Movement centre?
A: The AI Movement centre will play a crucial role in promoting AI-driven innovation, capacity building, and ethics in Africa.
Q: What is UNESCO's involvement in this initiative?
A: UNESCO is involved in this initiative as a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
Q: Why is digital literacy important in Africa's AI journey?
A: Digital literacy is essential in Africa's AI journey to ensure that all Africans can harness the benefits of AI and participate in the digital economy.