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Mideast & North Africa

Embracing AI Innovation and Collaboration at the Google MENA Regulator Academy

07 Oct, 2024

[[read-time]] min read

Martin Roeske
A photo of people attending the event
A photo of the AI Regulator Academy event

At Google, we are deeply committed to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in the MENA region. A key part of this objective involves working closely with regulators and policymakers to ensure that technology serves the needs of individuals and businesses. Last July, I had the privilege of hosting the Google MENA Regulator Academy in London, an event that provided invaluable insights into the complexities of digital governance and the opportunities that lie ahead.

A Shared Vision for a Digital Future

The academy brought together a diverse group of regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the MENA region, united by a common goal: to create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding the interests of society. Through engaging presentations, workshops, and discussions, we explored the latest advancements in technology and their implications for regulation, focusing on key areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, content moderation, and competition. The open exchange of ideas and perspectives fostered a collaborative spirit that is essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

The AI Imperative

One of the most pressing issues discussed at the academy was the rise of AI and its transformative potential. AI is already reshaping industries and societies around the world, and its impact on the MENA region is likely to be profound. However, the rapid development of AI also raises ethical concerns and regulatory challenges that require careful consideration. The academy provided a forum for in-depth discussions on the responsible development and deployment of AI, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and human oversight. At Google, we are committed to developing AI responsibly and working with regulators and policymakers to ensure that AI benefits everyone.

Building Partnerships for Progress

The Google MENA Regulator Academy was a learning experience and an opportunity to build relationships and forge partnerships. I am confident that the connections made at the academy will lead to meaningful dialogue and joint initiatives that will shape the digital landscape of the MENA region for years to come.

Leading the Way

As a leader in the technology industry, Google has a responsibility to contribute to the development of sound digital policies and regulatory frameworks. Earlier this year, Google released the “AI Sprinters,” a report that provides a roadmap for countries and policymakers to harness AIś potential, highlighting four policy game changers, each entailing a broad array of public-private actions:

  • Revolutionize infrastructure with 100% adoption of cloud-first policies to ensure that AI is widely and inclusively deployed;
  • Support people with national AI skill initiatives to build AI literacy and AI ready workforce;
  • Modernize national data systems to better utilize the existing data to improve public services and enable effective training of AI models for local markets;
  • Support AI-enabling regulation through a risk-based and proportionate approach and adopting national AI strategies focused on harnessing AI to achieve major public objectives.

The insights gained from the MENA Regulator Academy will inform our engagement with regulators and policymakers in the region, ensuring that our products and services align with local needs and priorities. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and committed to working with all stakeholders to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future for the MENA region.

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