MENA Observatory on Responsible AI

Today, Dr. Nagla Rizk, Founding Director of the Access to Knowledge for Development Center at the AUC School of Business shared her vision for the role our Observatory in the vital conversation on the role AI plays in Africa at the "OECD-African Union (AU) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dialogue 2.0 - From Strategy to Implementation." The MENA Observatory, with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), aims to be a catalyst for change, focusing on policy advocacy, capacity-building, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI and data governance in MENA are both inclusive and sustainable. As we continue to push for responsible AI, our work is just beginning—and we invite you to be part of this transformation. 🔗 Learn more about the MENA AI Observatory and some of the latest trends in Responsible AI in the MENA Region at our website: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dQePHw3U #ResponsibleAI #InclusiveDevelopment #MENARegion #AIforGood #DataGovernance #PolicyAdvocacy #AIinAfrica #Collaboration #Research #Innovation #MENAAI #AIinMENA #TechForGood Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR) A+ Alliance African Observatory on Responsible AI Business Forward AUC Global Network of Centers

On January 14, 2025, The Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the American University in Cairo’s AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business hosted the first high-level roundtable discussion on Egypt’s draft AI Bill, led by Sahar Al Bazar, MP, Deputy Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Egyptian Parliament. The Roundtable was organized by A2K4D in collaboration with ADSERO Law Firm and APCO Worldwide to address the critical challenges and opportunities associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The roundtable brought together a group of leaders from the tech sector, multinational corporations, local entrepreneurs and academia to explore key themes surrounding Artificial Intelligence such as balancing innovation with risk mitigation, strengthening data governance frameworks, and defining accountability for AI-driven decisions. The initiative marked a significant step toward fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders in shaping the future of AI in Egypt and beyond. It is the first in a series of roundtable discussions reflecting a growing commitment to advancing responsible AI practices in Egypt and fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation while safeguarding public trust and positioning Egypt as a leader in the region’s AI landscape. A huge thank you to all the contributors who shared their expertise and insights. Your engagement is paving the way for inclusive and ethical innovation in AI policymaking. Stay tuned for upcoming sessions as this important process unfolds! #AI #Governance #Innovation #EgyptAI #FutureOfTech #ResponsibleAI

🎉 Proud to be among the 50 projects selected by the Paris Peace Forum from 770 applications across 111 countries for the #AIActionSummit. 🗓 Join us in Paris on 10-11 February 2025 as we showcase ethical and inclusive AI solutions 👉 bit.ly/4hx5OMP

🌟 Spotlight on Raja Chatila: A Pioneer in AI Ethics and Robotics 🤖 Raja Chatila, a distinguished Professor of Robotics and AI, has made remarkable contributions to the intersection of AI and ethics. As a leading voice in shaping responsible AI, he’s been instrumental in advancing ethical frameworks that prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability. He contributed in several areas of Artificial Intelligence and autonomous and interactive Robotics along his career and published over 150 papers on perception, motion planning, decision-making, human-robot interaction, learning and cognitive architectures. Stay tuned for more influential figures in the AI scene in the MENA region! #AI #EthicalAI #AILeadership #Robotics #InnovationWithIntegrity #ResponsibleAI #AIForGood

An AI Strategy is Key to Thriving in the Digital Age! 📌 Where does the MENA region stand in AI strategy development? 📖 Dive deeper into the state of AI strategies across the region and discover actionable insights to drive responsible governance and innovation through our Knowledge Hub at: https://lnkd.in/dFM-DwTg #AIStrategy #AI #AIMENA #MENAInnovates #ArtificialIntelligence #AIPolicy #AIGovernance

In the context of the digital revolution, it is critical that we understand the key concepts around AI and technology. The "MENA AI Glossary" breaks down essential concepts that are transforming the MENA region’s digital landscape. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of AI governance, digital financial services, the digital divide, and much more. By understanding these core terms, you’ll be better equipped to engage in conversations about responsible AI, sustainable development, and the future of technology in the MENA region. 🔍 Want to stay ahead in the world of AI? Download the MENA AI Glossary now and elevate your understanding of the terms driving the digital future in the MENA region!: https://lnkd.in/dE375wEW #AIinMENA #AIglossary #DigitalTech #AIgovernance #ResponsibleAI #SustainableDevelopment #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion #AIresearch #MENAtech #DigitalTransformation #AIeducation #AI4Development #menaobservatory #TechPolicy #CivilSociety #AIandSociety

In the digital age, the rise of platform-mediated work—both "ground work" (e.g., ride-hailing, delivery) and "cloud work" (e.g., freelancing on global platforms)—has reshaped the labor landscape. But are these workers protected? Eric Tucker warns that without ethical guidelines, such platforms can exploit workers through low wages, lack of benefits, and minimal job security. 🎙️ In our ASWAT: Speaker Series, Amal Mowafy dives into how policymakers, labor unions, and civil society can create a fair and equitable future for platform workers. From gig workers on the ground to remote cloud workers, ethical practices are vital. 🎥 Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dNiEkzi8 #LaborRights #DigitalTransformation #PlatformWork #EthicalGuidelines #ASWATSeries

We are delighted to begin 2025 by sharing the Global Network of Centers 2024 Progress Report, prepared with the invaluable support of the Instituto de Tecnologia e Sociedade (ITS Rio). A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to advancing NoC’s mission in 2024. This report offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and look ahead to 2025, a year set to be defined by pivotal discussions on the implementation of initiatives to promote AI governance and ethics, impactful global and regional meetings on the future of emerging technologies, and groundbreaking advancements in quantum computing and its potential impacts. Link to the report: https://lnkd.in/e4wvaiDg Urs Gasser, Sandra Cortesi, Aurelia Tamo-Larrieux, Laura Rocha Rueda

Today’s ceremony celebrated the legacy of Onsi Sawiris and the School’s commitment to shaping future business leaders with innovation, adaptability, and global impact at its core. The Onsi Sawiris School of Business continues to inspire excellence and drive meaningful change in communities and industries worldwide. #auconsisawirisbusinessschool

🚨Exciting News! The Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business is marking its 15th Anniversary celebrating 15 years of impact! 🎉 Over the past decade and a half, A2K4D has played a pivotal role in promoting access to knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development in the Global South and MENA region. This milestone event will bring together academics, government representatives, industry professionals, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss the transformative power of open knowledge and inclusive development. It will be an exciting opportunity to network thought leaders and explore new collaborations that drive sustainable development. 🔗 Stay tuned for more details and announcements! International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Global Network of Centers African Observatory on Responsible AI Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR) #A2K4D #Technology #Innovation #MENAInnovates #AI #SustainableDevelopment #InclusiveDevelopment #KnowledgeForAll #MENA #GlobalSouth #OpenKnowledge #15YearsOfImpact #AUC