Morocco AI 2024 kicks off with keynotes on innovation and ethical AI

The Morocco AI conference, now in its fourth edition, kicked off today under the theme “Driving the Future of Innovation through AI.” 

The virtual event brings together leading AI experts from Morocco and around the world to discuss the latest advancements and potential applications of artificial intelligence. 

The Minister of Industry and Trade, Riad Mezzour, opened the conference with a keynote speech saying that the government is committed to fostering innovation and digital transformation in Morocco. 

The minister said that AI has a pivotal role in driving economic growth and societal progress. 

Mezzour said that AI today has become accessible to the public, integrating virtually into every aspect of daily lives as demonstrated by technologies such as ChatGPT and Gemini. 

The minister added that Morocco is making strides in AI and innovation, ranking first in Africa and the Arab world on the International Intellectual Property Index, according to a February 2024 report from the American Chamber of Commerce.  

Mezzour added that Morocco became the first country in the region to implement UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations in March 2022. These guidelines, adopted during the 41st session of UNESCO’s General Conference, aim to ensure ethical and responsible AI use.  

The minister said Morocco and the United States unveiled a draft resolution on artificial intelligence, focusing on using the technology for global good. He added that the country’s Ministry of Digital Transition is working to integrate AI into industries, saying it will boost efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.  

AI is already driving innovation in Morocco’s emerging industrial base, the minister said, with key sectors benefiting from improved processes. He also mentioned the Al Khawarizmi program, launched by the Ministry of Education, which is funding 45 innovative digital projects to support AI and Industry 4.0 development.  

While acknowledging AI’s potential, the minister said there are global worries about its impact on jobs and ethical deployment. 

However, he reassured that technology has historically created more jobs than it has destroyed, pointing out that the global economy has added 1.3 billion jobs since 1991. 

Omar Fassi Fehri, Permanent Secretary of the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Techniques, said that AI has revolutionary potential and noted its far-reaching impact on various sectors, driving innovation and inspiring new ideas.

Fehri explained that AI, when harnessed effectively, can uncover hidden patterns, forge new connections, and unlock creative solutions previously deemed impossible.

The Secretary further added that AI is reshaping scientific research by revolutionizing hypothesis formulation, testing, and validation. 

Fehri stressed the importance of AI in addressing critical global challenges, such as saving lives and resolving societal issues.

However, he cautioned against both overhyping and demonizing the technology. Instead, he called for a pragmatic approach that focuses on integrating AI responsibly into our lives. 

Fehri said that AI is already a reality, so the debate isn’t about its existence but its regulation. 

“We must focus on harnessing AI’s benefits while ensuring it’s equitable and non-discriminatory. The ideal regulation respects AI’s value, human dignity, and performance improvement,” he said. 

Fehri added that AI won’t be a panacea or a catastrophe, but a tool to build a better future. “As researchers, we must use AI responsibly to benefit humanity,” he concluded. 

Seong Ju Park, policy lead at OECD, spoke at the conference and addressed AI usage in government work as a tool of delivering better services to citizens. 

Ju Park said that AI matters in the public sector as it enhances engagement with citizens, improves speed and quality of services, frees up public servants’ time, and leads to higher-value work.

Ju Park added that most governments are using AI to enhance internal efficiency and responsiveness in public services. 

According to the policy lead, the adoption of AI in the public sector presents several challenges. These include securing public and political support, addressing ethical concerns like human rights and privacy, and ensuring transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making. Additionally, the use of AI in the public sector remains largely experimental.