“Abu-Ghazaleh Global” and “ICESCO” Discuss Cooperation on AI and Scientific Research

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and founder of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global), and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), co-chaired a session to discuss cooperation between the two parties in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Scientific Research, Digital Education and Strategic Foresight.

The session, held virtually, was also attended by Dr. Kais Hammami, director of ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, and Dr. Mushira Enezat, executive director of Joint Educational Programs at TAG.Global.

During the session, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh affirmed the importance of reviving education methods in the countries of the Islamic world to develop scientific research and encourage creativity and innovation, for the aim of building a creative nation, pointing to the urgent need to set up AI ethical guidelines and well-defined policies.

Moreover, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh called on the ICESCO to launch an AI glossary that includes all relevant terminologies and circulate it at an international level, reiterating the importance of improving scientific research methods and investment in scientific research similar to those in western countries.

He also referred to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which were endorsed during his mandate as vice-chair to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Global Compact. The ten universally accepted Principles are derived from the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, the World Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Moreover, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed belief that women and men are partners in assuming responsibilities and duties, urging everyone to use the term ‘women’s participation’ rather than, ‘women’s empowerment’, as every woman is capable to empower herself by her own.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik stated that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization pursues renewal, modernization and openness approach for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the world, adding that ICESCO is keens on cooperating with TAG.Global as a leading organization in different areas.

AlMalik further stated that the Organization called for cooperation with TAG.Global in the fields of strategic foresight, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital education, scientific research and ICESCO Chairs which are considered vital areas for Muslim countries that should need more development.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed on the development of implementing plans for the initiatives, programs and activities that could create a tangible impact, and contribute to the enrichment of intellectual and practical contributions in a mechanism that achieves cooperative joint goals.