Within the framework of strengthening international cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, H.E. Ms. Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Director-General for Communication and Information at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), received on Wednesday, 4 June 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Director General of the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO).
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation and partnership between AICTO and UNESCO in areas of mutual interest, particularly in AI governance, digital capacity building, and the promotion of the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.
The discussions also provided an opportunity to explore UNESCO’s participation as a strategic partner in the second edition of the “Artificial Intelligence for the Future” Summit (AI Forward Summit 2026), scheduled to take place in Hammamet, Tunisia, from 7 to 10 September 2026. The Summit serves as a high-level regional and international platform bringing together policymakers, experts, technology leaders, and international organizations to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its role in advancing sustainable development.
H.E. Ms. Mariya Gabriel expressed UNESCO’s support for this initiative, emphasizing that the Summit aligns with global efforts to develop robust frameworks for AI governance and ethics, in accordance with international standards that ensure the use of these technologies for the benefit of humanity, societies, and sustainable development.
For his part, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor welcomed UNESCO’s continued support for the Summit, noting that UNESCO had been an active partner in its first edition. He stressed that this sustained partnership reflects the growing international recognition of the Summit and contributes to fostering multilateral dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence and its developmental opportunities.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued coordination and cooperation, in support of sustainable digital development goals and the promotion of safe and responsible use of emerging technologies for the benefit of economic and social development in the Arab region and beyond.