Qatar National Library, in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), held its second Cultural Salon on Monday, bringing together prominent academics in the fields of computing and ethics to explore the topic, “Artificial Intelligence: Science, Work, and Ethical Challenges”.
The Cultural Salon began with an insightful discussion that delved into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that arise as AI reshapes our world within the realms of work, society, and culture. The event was attended by guests from the media and the wider community.
Chaired by Dr. Ahmed K. Almagarmid, Executive Director of the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) at HBKU, the panel featured Dr. Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, a scientist at QCRI and an AI technology expert, and Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Professor of Islamic Studies and Bioethics at the College of Islamic Studies, HBKU.
Commenting on the event, HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, said: “The Cultural Salon at Qatar National Library has made significant strides in its second session, solidifying its position as a prominent platform for intellectual and scholarly dialogue within Qatar’s cultural landscape. This success reaffirms the Qatar National Library’s role as an influential cultural institution, driving insightful discussions on key trends, developments, and issues spanning various fields of knowledge, both locally and on a regional and global scale.” “Today’s session focused on the compelling subject of artificial intelligence technology, which has garnered widespread attention across media outlets, technology platforms, internet companies, and search engines. Recognizing the significance of this technology, our aim was to explore its vast and wide-ranging prospects. This endeavor aligns with the Library’s commitment to educate and raise awareness among society about future advancements that profoundly impact individuals in their professional, academic, and daily lives.” Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al Kawari said, “We take great pride in our continued partnership and collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University in organizing these engaging Cultural Salon sessions. This event serves as a vibrant and dynamic channel of communication, facilitating meaningful exchanges among experts, specialists, and the wider public. Not only does it offer a platform for individuals to listen to experts, but it also encourages active participation, fostering discussions, and providing an opportunity for participants to share their ideas, perspectives, and opinions on the topics addressed during the Cultural Salon sessions.” Opening the session with an exciting overview of AIs evolution in all its complexity, while highlighting its significance and potential impacts, Dr. Almagarmid noted: “At its core, artificial intelligence aims to design and actualize systems that are capable of learning and decision-making autonomously. Subtly yet profoundly, AI has woven itself into our everyday activities, most notably seen in virtual assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. It is leading revolutions across a vast spectrum of fields, effecting transformations that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. Furthermore, AI has become a catalyst in accelerating many routine tasks, enabling humans to shift their focus towards monitoring quality, improving resource scheduling and production, analyzing errors, and continually fine-tuning operations. This notable shift allows for a broadening of the creative horizon, superseding the realm of repetition.” (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency