Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Council (AIEC), a move announced by Operation HOPE. This initiative aims to establish ethical standards in artificial intelligence and underscores the UAE’s commitment to responsible and secure technological advancement.
Al Olama’s appointment marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first representative from the Middle East on the council, which is composed of a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including civil rights, education, technology, business, government, and ethics. The council is co-chaired by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE.
This selection emphasizes the UAE’s role in fostering international collaboration and creating frameworks that enhance trust in future technologies. Al Olama noted that the UAE is dedicated to building an innovative digital ecosystem based on transparency, safety, and sustainability. He expressed pride in the nation’s pioneering model of ethical governance, which has enhanced its global presence in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
In his statement, Al Olama remarked on the importance of ethical responsibility as a cornerstone of the UAE’s approach to emerging technologies. He reiterated the country’s commitment to supporting international efforts to set standards for the secure and responsible application of future technologies. Such standards are crucial in unlocking new economic opportunities while preserving the human values that both the UAE and the international community strive to uphold.
“We are honored to welcome Minister Al Olama to the AI Ethics Council as our first international leader and first representative from the Middle East,” Bryant stated. “He brings invaluable experience and perspective to our work—grounded in a vision for how technology can serve humanity and foster shared prosperity. We are grateful for his partnership as we continue constructing a global, inclusive framework for the ethical and equitable use of artificial intelligence.”
Established in December 2023, the AIEC comprises a diverse array of leaders from multiple sectors to ensure that underrepresented communities have a voice in the evolution of AI. The council aims to create frameworks for the responsible, inclusive, and equitable development of AI while examining how the technology can drive economic opportunities for underserved populations.
Al Olama joins a distinguished group on the Council that includes Altman, Bryant, and founding members like George T. French, Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University; Helene D. Gayle, president of Spelman College; and Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Centre, among others. This coalition is poised to influence the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence significantly.
Operation HOPE has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals through financial literacy and economic support, impacting over 4 million people since 1992. The organization has facilitated over $4.2 billion in economic activity, operating in nearly 300 cities across the United States. As the dialogue around AI ethics continues to evolve, the inclusion of international perspectives like that of Al Olama is essential in shaping a more equitable technological future.
For more on the UAE’s initiatives in AI, visit the UAE AI Office.
With Al Olama’s involvement, the AIEC aims to deepen its commitment to ethical governance in artificial intelligence, ensuring that the development and deployment of these technologies align with broadly accepted human values and contribute positively to society.
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