His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Director General of the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO), participated in the First Regional Conference titled “Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship: Two Engines for a New Generation of Development,” held on May 6–7, 2025, in Damascus, Syria.
The conference was organized by the Arab Union for Internet and Communications, in partnership with the Syrian Computer Society and the Ministry of Communications and Technology, and with the support of AICTO, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry lands (ACSAD), and the Arab Federation for Digital Economy.
The event brought together a wide array of experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from international and regional organizations across the Arab world. The Arab Union for Internet and Communications emphasized that the conference marks a foundational step in strengthening the Arab digital economy and opening new horizons for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
In his keynote intervention, H.E. Eng. Ben Amor highlighted the symbolic significance of holding this event in Damascus, noting that it reflects a renewed spirit of Arab cooperation and optimism. He stressed that Syria, with its youth and scientific talent, has the potential to play a pivotal role in the Arab digital landscape. He further emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury, but a strategic necessity for accelerating sustainable development, especially in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and industry.
Eng. Ben Amor also showcased AICTO’s efforts under its Vision 2030: “Building a Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Arab Digital Future”, referring to flagship initiatives such as the Arab Charter for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Arab Alliance for AI Governance, both of which aim to strengthen digital sovereignty and position the Arab world as a leader in this transformative field.
He concluded by reaffirming AICTO’s commitment to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic in formulating digital policies, building human capacity, and offering training opportunities. He underscored the importance of Arab integration in addressing technological challenges and transforming AI into a tool for leadership and digital sovereignty.
On the sidelines of the conference, a tripartite cooperation agreement was signed between AICTO, the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Technology, and the Arab Union for Internet and Communications. The agreement aims to foster a comprehensive, secure, and sustainable digital economy through joint development initiatives and projects that will accelerate digital transformation and drive economic growth in Syria.
