The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is asserting itself as a cornerstone of the national strategy “Maroc Digital 2030”. Initiatives will be launched to optimize its deployment in the public and private sectors. In this dynamic, innovative initiatives will be implemented to maximize its deployment in the public and private sectors. At the same time, tailor-made educational courses will be developed, aimed at training various segments of the population to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this digital revolution, revealed Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
AI occupies a prominent place in the digital transformation process, due to its ability to optimize production costs and offer tailor-made solutions meeting the needs of citizens, underlined Seghrouchni in his response to oral questions from parliamentarians during of the weekly session held this Tuesday in the House of Advisors.
The minister recalled in this sense that Morocco has positioned itself among the pioneers by actively engaging in the implementation of the UNESCO recommendation on the ethics of AI. This aims to fully exploit the opportunities that artificial intelligence can offer to society, while minimizing the associated risks, thus promoting the protection of human rights and contributing to the achievement of development objectives. sustainable. It addresses in particular the issues of transparency, accountability and protection of personal data.
The official also mentioned the Kingdom’s official adoption of this recommendation on March 24, 2022, following its approval during the 71st session of the UNESCO General Conference, which was held in November 2021 in Paris.
To give substance to this commitment, she continued, a committee was established under the aegis of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. This committee has the crucial mission of assessing to what extent Morocco is prepared to integrate these recommendations. According to Seghrouchni, the conclusions of this assessment will be decisive for the development of a strategic roadmap, the implementation of which is planned in the near future.
In addition, the minister indicated that, as part of the continuation of actions aimed at implementing UNESCO’s recommendations, and as the culmination of a successful cooperation program between her department and UNESCO, a series meetings, consultations, educational discussions and workshops were orchestrated to exploit the potential of AI in promoting equal opportunities in the digital world.
Among the highlights of this initiative, she mentioned the organization of a conference dedicated to the use and development of artificial intelligence, as well as the launch of the UNESCO report assessing Morocco’s level of preparation.
Regarding strengthening the Kingdom’s commitment to ethics related to AI, the ministry has contributed to several international initiatives, she added. He worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on several strategic files, such as the United Nations resolution on safe and reliable AI systems to support sustainable development, as well as the resolution with China on improving the international cooperation for the development of AI capabilities, among others.
Furthermore, the integration of AI constitutes a central pillar of the national strategy “Maroc Digital 2030”, noted the minister. She explained that initiatives will be implemented to optimize its deployment and integration within the different axes of this strategy, capitalizing on its capabilities in the public and private sectors in order to facilitate the digitalization of public services and encourage growth. of the digital economy.
A project will be launched to establish a specialized body, commission or unit in the field of AI, bringing together a range of expertise that will address the digital, legal and sociological aspects linked to this technology, as well as its impact on society , revealed Seghrouchni. In addition, a national conference dedicated to AI will be organized, with the aim of broadening discussions and coordinating efforts with the various stakeholders involved. This will make it possible, according to the manager, to guide future actions within the framework of a collective vision, in perfect harmony with national issues, and to promote responsible use of artificial intelligence in Morocco, thus contributing to its flourishing.
The ministry is also considering the creation of new educational pathways in higher education as well as the launch of distance or face-to-face training courses specially dedicated to AI. Awareness training will be designed for different segments of the population, including programs for young people aged 8 to 14 and others for adolescents aged 15 to 18, in the different regions of the kingdom, in coordination with the competent authorities and local associations.
On the other hand, it foresees the exploitation of an emerging field, namely generative artificial intelligence, which will allow the use of voice and the creation of new content and ideas, such as images and videos, to meet the growing demands of users.
