Qatar, United Kingdom launch project to strengthen cooperation in AI
On the sidelines of the state visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the friendly United Kingdom, the UK and Qatar have launched a joint Artificial Intelligence (AI) research commission, seeking to establish a road map for UK-Qatar collaboration on AI that will benefit both countries, QNA reports.
The joint study will be led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar.
The study is being led by Professor of Ethics, Technology, and Society at QMULs Digital Environment Research Institute and the Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute David Leslie.
The project will build on the exciting progress that both countries have made in AI, and identify and research practical and ambitious ways for the countries to enhance their cooperation in this field in line with their AI and technology strategies. A range of areas will be explored across the spectrum of ecosystem development, policy and regulation, security, and international engagement.
It has been designed and developed as a collaboration between Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the AI Committee of the Qatar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) and the British Embassy in Doha.
The project is funded by the Gulf Strategy Fund, which is part of the UK government's international program under the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
HE British Ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel said that the UK and Qatar have proven to be innovators in implementing policies related to artificial intelligence, including the need to build a robust system of ethics and governance.
He highlighted the participation of several prominent British and Qatari institutions in this important initiative, reflecting the two countries' desire to work together to address the common challenges that the 21st century will bring.
HE Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar Dr. Mariam Khalid Al Hamar said that this initiative represents a key opportunity to advance innovation through collaboration, adding that as a global leader in dialogue and mediation, Qatar recognizes the vital importance of cooperation in promoting diplomacy and resolving conflicts.
By harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, there is an opportunity to make meaningful progress in peacebuilding, improving decision-making processes, and addressing complex global issues with greater accuracy, she said. Furthermore, embracing the concept of 'AI for all' ensures that the benefits of this technology reach every country, enabling them to actively participate in the age of artificial intelligence. This vision reflects the firm commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for justice and progress for all, she added.
Director of Digital Innovation at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Eman Al Kuwari said that this collaboration marks a significant step forward in Qatars commitment to advancing AI as a transformative force for good. She added that through the partnership with the United Kingdom and leveraging the expertise of globally renowned institutions, we aim to open new opportunities for innovation, shape ethical frameworks and contribute to global progress in the field of artificial intelligence. This initiative reflects the shared vision of harnessing the power of technology for the benefit of our societies and economies.
Professor David Leslie said that given the pivotal moment in the history of artificial intelligence, this is the best time for the United Kingdom and Qatar to collaborate in exploring ways to harness the transformative potential of AI for the public good, while also addressing emerging risks and harms with full effort.
By leveraging the dynamic AI research and innovation ecosystems of both nations, this initiative promises to be a catalyst for ingenuity and commercial opportunity, fostering a new era of technological cooperation between two global leaders in the field, he added.
For his part, Secretary General of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council Eng. Omar Al Ansari said that this initiative represents a key opportunity to advance innovation through strategic collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.
He explained that by leveraging the significant investments made by both Qatar and the United Kingdom in research, development and innovation in artificial intelligence, the two sides are paving the way for funding transformative projects. The partnership will strengthen the ties between the innovation systems of both Qatar and the UK, foster the exchange of expertise and achieve impactful results for both countries.
President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London Professor Colin Bailey praised the collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, pointing out that this partnership will enable both universities to combine their knowledge and collective strengths to ensure the optimal use of artificial intelligence technology. He highlighted that Queen Mary University has a long history of building strong and successful international collaborations and is a leader in emerging research and technology. (QNA)
