Morocco's Active Commitment to Artificial Intelligence Highlighted in Stockholm

Monday 09 December 2024 - 10:10

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's Active Commitment to Artificial Intelligence Highlighted in Stockholm

Morocco's dedication to becoming a key player in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) was showcased at a significant event held on Friday in Stockholm. The gathering, organized by the Moroccan Embassy in Sweden in collaboration with the Moroccan Skills Network, focused on "demystifying artificial intelligence" and gathered ambassadors, AI professionals, and members of the Moroccan Skills Network. The event aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology.

At the event, Morocco's Ambassador to Sweden, Karim Medrek, underscored the Kingdom's active efforts to lead in AI. He highlighted the country’s investments in centers of excellence, such as the AI Movement at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and emphasized ongoing initiatives to foster training and innovation among Morocco's youth.

Medrek further pointed out Morocco's strategic location as an innovation hub bridging Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world. He stressed the importance of fostering international collaborations to accelerate AI adoption in an ethical and inclusive manner. "Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, we were honored to host the first African High-Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence, a significant event that brought together leading figures from across the continent," Medrek said. The forum laid the foundation for creating a unified African strategy on AI, aiming to position AI as a pivotal tool for sustainable development.

As co-chair of the Group of Friends of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, alongside the United States, Morocco also played a key role in the adoption of a historic UN General Assembly resolution highlighting AI's potential to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Medrek also referenced the first Global Conference on AI, held in Rabat in October, which explored the intersection of AI and the Chemical Weapons Convention. This conference reflected Morocco's pioneering vision in partnership with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), addressing both the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the Convention and its member states.

In closing, Medrek emphasized the vital role played by Moroccans worldwide in advancing AI development in Morocco and across Africa.

The Stockholm conference featured a panel of Moroccan and Swedish AI experts who shared their insights on the rapid evolution of AI, its impact on various economic and social sectors, and its potential for driving sustainable development.