Paris: Thanks to HM King Mohammed VI’s enlightened vision, Morocco has made significant strides in its “ambitious” digital transformation project, said Morocco’s Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni on Tuesday in Paris. Speaking via videoconferencing from Rabat during a meeting on AI and Ethics organized during UNESCO’s Arab Week, the Minister emphasized the progress of Morocco’s digital transition.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, El Fallah Seghrouchni highlighted the pivotal role of the national strategy ‘Morocco Digital 2030’, which places a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). She underscored the importance of AI in supporting the digitalization of public services for both citizens and businesses while also fostering the growth of the digital economy. The Minister highlighted AI’s potential to drive high value-added services and attract international operators to the sector.

The development of AI, as outlined by El Fallah Seghrouchni, rel
ies on training skilled professionals, boosting scientific research to develop advanced technological solutions, and enhancing cooperation and partnerships with global centers of excellence. This approach aims to leverage best practices in the field. She also noted that AI could play a substantial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with estimates suggesting a contribution of 79%.

However, she cautioned that AI could be a “double-edged arm” and stressed the importance of its ethical and responsible use. Morocco has made notable progress, being home to the first UNESCO Category II AI Center in Africa, named “AI Mouvement”. This center has been recognized as a center of excellence in AI and data science on the continent.

The conference allowed participants from various Arab countries to exchange experiences, addressing the challenges of using AI ethically and responsibly to advance sustainable development. The first edition of Arab Week, organized by UNESCO’s Arab Group with support from Saud
i Arabia, aims to enhance the Arab culture’s position within the UN organization, foster new partnerships between Arab countries and UNESCO, and promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.