Doha: On World Creativity and Innovation Day, the President of the Arab Federation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Programming, Dr. Badr bin Dalham Al Hajri, highlighted Qatar's ambitions to solidify its role as a regional hub for innovation.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Hajri emphasized AI's crucial role in empowering young creators across the Arab world by providing cost-effective production tools and smart platforms. These technologies enable creators to reach broader audiences and use analytical techniques to gain a clearer understanding of market trends and audience needs, thus enhancing their chances of success and sustainability.
Dr. Al Hajri also discussed the necessary policies for integrating AI into the creative economy without compromising its human essence. He stressed the importance of establishing a balanced legislative and ethical framework to protect creators' rights and promote transparency in AI technology usage. Additionally, he highlighted the need for investing in education and training to develop a generation that is knowledgeable about AI's dimensions and capable of using it responsibly.
He further explained that preserving the human character of creativity does not imply rejecting technology but rather guiding it to serve cultural and social values. He noted that modern technologies, which are essential in today's era, coexist with humanity, which leads and directs them.
Addressing whether AI can reshape Arab cultural identity, Dr. Al Hajri clarified that while AI might influence tools for expressing identity, it cannot formulate it. Cultural identity is shaped by history and societal experiences, not algorithms. The challenge lies in leveraging technology to enhance Arab identity's presence in the digital realm, preventing it from being overshadowed by dominant global cultural models.
Dr. Al Hajri also outlined how cultural institutions can harness AI to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. AI can aid in developing cultural education, broadening knowledge access, and supporting initiatives for empowering women and youth. It can also analyze the cultural and social impacts of projects, improving their efficiency and sustainability, thereby promoting cultural justice and equal opportunities.
Moreover, he underscored the necessity of an integrated partnership model that balances human and machine roles to enhance both parties' capabilities. Humans will continue to provide vision and imagination, while machines handle implementation, analysis, and expansion tasks. This cooperative relationship is expected to open new creative horizons that were previously unattainable.
World Creativity and Innovation Day, observed annually on April 21, was established by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2017. The day is dedicated to transforming ideas into reality and addressing global societal challenges, fostering innovative ideas that contribute to social, economic, and environmental development for a sustainable future.
The celebration also encourages thinking beyond conventional boundaries, promoting risk-taking and exploring new opportunities for everyone, particularly women and youth. It plays a role in addressing significant crises like poverty and hunger.
The Arab Federation for AI and Programming, affiliated with the Council of Arab Economic Unity in the League of Arab States, aims to foster Arab cooperation in AI and programming, supporting digital transformation and sustainable development efforts in the region.