A high-level delegation from the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO), led by its Director-General, HE. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, participated in the Regional Workshop on Responsible AI Governance in the Arab States, held in Manama on September 16–17, 2026. The workshop was jointly organized by the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), the National Institution for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain (NIHR), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with AICTO and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Delivering the opening remarks at the inaugural session, Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor expressed his sincere appreciation to the host country, Bahrain, and the co-organizers. He underscored that this workshop represents a vital milestone and an essential building block toward establishing a comprehensive, unified Arab AI governance ecosystem—one that guarantees security, trustworthiness, ethics, and digital sovereignty while keeping human dignity and human rights at its core.
The Director-General highlighted the ongoing regional momentum, referencing the recent conclusion of the second edition of the AI-Forward Summit 2026 in Hammamet, which saw the rollout of major regional initiatives, notably:
- The AI-MUSTAQBAL Index: A regional tool designed to measure AI maturity and institutional readiness across Arab states, equipping decision-makers with evidence-based data to assess capabilities, prioritize investments, and accelerate the transition toward an intelligence-driven society.
- The AWAIL Alliance: A strategic regional framework aimed at elevating the role of women in steering the future of AI and emerging technologies, connecting female innovators and leaders across the Arab and African regions to drive inclusive digital transformation.
Eng. Ben Amor emphasized that these milestones directly reinforce key regional frameworks adopted under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the Council of Arab ICT Ministers—primarily the Arab AI Strategy and the Arab AI Ethics Charter. These frameworks embody a shared vision: developing an AI landscape that aligns with global standards while honoring the region’s social, cultural, and linguistic specificities.
Active Engagement and Specialized Working Sessions
AICTO’s contribution extended beyond the opening address throughout the two-day event. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor moderated the high-level third session, titled “Regional Experiences and Progress,” which convened representatives from the League of Arab States, regional human rights institutions, and international partners to evaluate implementation pathways and strengthen cross-border coordination.
Additionally, AICTO experts led a specialized breakout session on the second day focused on “Designing an AI Pan-Arab Regulatory Framework Toolkit.” The session focused on identifying practical policy tools, risk management models, and institutional mechanisms to assist Arab nations in translating ethical commitments and regional strategies into actionable, human-rights-based regulatory frameworks.