Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry assistant under-secretary for telecommunications Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa took part in the ministerial session of the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva on the sidelines of the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
The session discussed artificial intelligence (AI) strategies and policies, means to build national capabilities, and enhance international co-operation to harness the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in support of sustainable development.
Shaikh Ahmed reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting international efforts to develop balanced artificial intelligence policies and governance and enhance co-operation with the United Nations, the ITU, and international partners in building a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.
He said that the transition to an artificial intelligence-driven digital economy begins with investing in people, alongside providing advanced and secure digital infrastructure.
He noted that the telecommunications sector is the foundation for enabling artificial intelligence applications through reliable, high-performance networks that support innovation, digital services, and cloud computing.
The assistant under-secretary said Bahrain continues to invest in developing national cadres in artificial intelligence and digital technologies in co-operation with academic institutions, the private sector, and technology partners, contributing to the preparation of national cadres capable of leading the digital economy while focusing on youth empowerment and enhancing women’s participation in technology fields.
He said the kingdom also continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure and technical readiness to support the expansion of artificial intelligence applications across various sectors and keep pace with the rapid developments in the digital economy.
The assistant under-secretary underscored the importance of enhancing international co-operation, exchanging expertise, and building capacities, noting that artificial intelligence presents a global opportunity that requires effective international partnerships and common frameworks to promote the responsible and secure use of these technologies and ensure all countries benefit from the opportunities they offer.
&uuid=(email))