The Union Association for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Arab-European Forum for Dialogue and Human Rights and the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), held a high-level international symposium titled: “Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence”. This side event took place at the Palais des Nations on Monday, October 7, 2024, on the sidelines of the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Main Speakers:

• Amb. Dr. George Papadatos, Head of Mission and Permanent Observer of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), observer at international organizations in Geneva, Regional Coordinator for Western Europe, and former Ambassador of Greece to the UN in Geneva.
• Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al-Kaabi, Founder and President of the Union Association for Human Rights.
• Counselor Maryam Al-Ahmadi, Vice Chairperson, Union Association for Human Rights.
• Biro Diawara, Secretary General of Interfaith International.
• Aleksandr Stommels, President of Circle of Sustainable Europe (CoSE), international expert in sustainable development.
• Ventzeslav Sabev, Vice-President of the Geneva Spiritual Appeal, international expert in human dialogue – Moderator.

The discussion also saw participation by students from the University of Geneva:

• Hugo Noskowicz.
• Clara Lombardo.
• Paul Ruder.

Content and Papers:

• The symposium offered in-depth discussions on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the protection of human rights, covering topics such as:
• Technological developments and their implications for rights and freedoms.
• The UAE’s pioneering experience in leveraging AI to serve humanity and promote digital justice, including:
  • The UAE National AI Strategy 2031.
  • The establishment of the world’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence.
  • The founding of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
  • The UAE’s advancement to 2nd place globally in digital readiness for 2024.
• A review of the United Nations Pact for the Future, which includes:
  • The Global Digital Compact and its 13 guiding principles.
  • International commitments related to human rights.
  • The significance of Paragraph (66), which calls for the voluntary endorsement of the Pact by states and civil society beginning December 2024.

Significance of the Symposium:

• The symposium served as a vital international platform to:
  • Highlight the ethical dimensions of AI and its impact on human rights.
  • Encourage global partnerships for advancing digital governance.
  • Showcase the UAE as a global model in using technology to uphold human values.
  • Discuss frameworks to ensure respect for human rights amid the emerging digital revolution.

Level of Participation:

• Official and observer delegations from UN member states, including:
  • United States.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Russia.
• Representatives of:
  • The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
  • International human rights NGOs.
  • Accredited international media at the United Nations.
  • Students and international experts.

Key Recommendations:

1. Global endorsement and implementation of the Global Digital Compact and its principles by states and civil society.
2. Strengthening international governance of AI within the UN framework.
3. Ensuring alignment of AI with international human rights and human dignity.
4. Calling for innovative global partnerships to harness AI for peace and sustainable development.
5. Leveraging the UAE’s pioneering model in human-centered technology deployment.