Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to foster a culture of peace and dialogue and support sustainable development. This aligns with the humanitarian vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the policies of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The deputy chairman made the remarks on the occasion of the launch of two AI-driven initiatives Smart Assistant 1 and Smart Participant 1 by the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance. The projects were introduced as part of the Peace Schools Programme held in Jordan, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and in collaboration with the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME). The event brought together experts, researchers, and youth from various countries.
Delivering his opening remarks remotely, Al Aradi said the development of smart tools to support parliamentary and legislative work reflects Bahrain’s pioneering efforts to institutionalise the values of tolerance, mutual understanding, and civil dialogue. He also referred to the enlightened royal vision and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s call for a global treaty to govern the development of AI and to harness technological innovation for peace, development, and prosperity.
Al Aradi expressed pride in the Centre’s strategic partnership with the IPU, under the framework of a cooperation agreement aimed at building capacities and strengthening legislative frameworks, educational programmes, and training initiatives to promote values of coexistence and tolerance. He also praised the constructive cooperation with SESAME in Jordan to apply modern technology and scientific research in building a peaceful and sustainable future.
Abdulla Isa Al Mannai, Executive Director of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, moderated a number of panel discussions, highlighting the potential of AI, emerging technologies, and scientific diplomacy to serve humanity and promote values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, while rejecting extremism and hatred.
Al Mannai explained that Smart Assistant 1 is an innovative digital platform designed to support legislative and executive institutions by managing tasks, analysing data, preparing reports, and assisting in decision-making. Smart Participant 1, he said, focuses on enhancing engagement in conferences and dialogues by integrating AI tools, with an emphasis on the ethical use and governance of technology.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants recommended continued development of the AI core launched by the King Hamad Global Centre in partnership with the IPU. They also called for the preparation of a dedicated curriculum for the upcoming session in Vietnam and the drafting of a code of ethics for AI to be adopted at the IPU General Assembly in October, to ensure the responsible and ethical use of technology in promoting peace and coexistence.