‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official

‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official
Arab and international experts unite in discussions on AI and human rights. (AN Photo)
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Updated 01 July 2024
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‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official

‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official

JEDDAH: The 23rd regular session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation began on June 30 and will continue until July 4 in Jeddah.

All OIC member and observer states are attending, including their national human rights institutions, experts from international and regional organizations, and senior officials of the OIC General Secretariat.

Noura bint Zaid Al-Rashoud, OIC-IPHRC executive director, said in her opening speech: “The commission faces many significant challenges, especially in combating Islamophobia and protecting the human rights guaranteed to Muslim minorities, women and children.

“In this context, it is necessary to note that the OIC region is grappling with a number of complex human rights issues, and it is our duty to engage in cooperative efforts to address each of these emerging issues appropriately.

“The most urgent and emerging issue today is the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which requires us to pay more attention,” Al-Rashoud added.

She said that the secretariat will draft a comprehensive statement that highlights the results of the high-level meeting and the deliberations that will take place during the closed sessions of the working group on Palestine.

Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC secretary-general, said that “humanity stands on the brink of a new revolution” due to artificial intelligence, which will “transform our approach to life, living, thinking and working.”

AI is revolutionizing almost every aspect of human existence, from healthcare and education, to transportation and communication, Taha added.

He said that Islamic history is rich in scientific heritage, with Muslims pioneering study in a range of fields. The complex algorithms that form the foundation of today’s AI are a result of the sophisticated equations that Muslim scholars, such as Al-Khwarizmi, endeavored to build and develop, he added.

Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general, highlighted the areas of cooperation between the GCC and OIC in safeguarding human rights. The collaboration spans agreements, joint efforts and consultations in human rights, complemented by political coordination to address crises and conflicts in the Islamic world.

Addressing the daily atrocities committed by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, Al-Budaiwi highlighted the international community’s failure to protect those in dire need.

He urged renewed joint efforts to confront challenges, notably the Palestinian plight and escalating tensions in Gaza.

The Arab League’s assistant secretary-general, Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence AI in daily life, alongside the pressing challenges that the technology presents.

A memoranda of understanding was signed between the league and GCC aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration on global human rights challenges.

During the first session, “International/Standard and Islamic Legal Perspectives on Human Rights Concerning Artificial Intelligence" Scott Campbell, senior human rights officer of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Dr. Nenden Shanty, director of the training and technical cooperation department at SESRIC, took part.

Shanty said that since many OIC countries are developing national plans to support the adoption and development of AI in their economies.

She provided policy recommendations, saying: “Breaching the digital divide in OIC countries involves a multi-phased approach that begins with assessing the current digital landscape in identifying priority areas, and engaging stakeholders to understand the specific challenges faced by underserved communities.”

Campbell shared the UNHCR’s perspective on these crucial challenges.

“We cannot afford any delay. The world waited too long, for example, on climate change; we should not repeat that mistake. But what can regulation look like? We should begin by addressing the harms that people currently face and are likely to encounter in the future,” he said.

The second session, titled “Institutional Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities,” featured speakers including Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah, president of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Things in Kuwait; Alaa Abdelaal, head of the Digital Foresight Sector at the Digital Cooperation Organization; and Sharon Slater, president of Family Watch International from the US.

Al-Sabah said: “The ethical framework guiding artificial intelligence is of the utmost importance for several reasons, encompassing essential aspects of human rights, societal norms and the potential impacts of AI technology. Constructing AI ethics aims to foster fairness, human justice, trust and equality.”

On Monday, the commission will hold a high-level event titled “International Court of Justice Judgment on Gaza: Implications for the Future and Possible Ways Forward.”

It will analyze the ICJ’s judgment on Gaza, focusing on implementing measures to end the humanitarian crisis and advocating for justice and accountability for human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Additionally, the commission will sign deals with international and regional organizations to enhance technical cooperation.

From July 2-4, the commission will hold closed meetings of its working groups at the IPHRC Headquarters to discuss civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC member states, as well as human rights violations in Palestine and India-administered Jammu and Kashmir.


Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry

Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry
Updated 9 sec ago
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Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry

Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry
  • Game producers in Japan could tailor products to Saudi players, says Prof. Koji Mikami
  • Saudi spending power makes region a valuable market

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is an important market for Japanese video game producers, who could tailor their games to appeal to the region, according to one expert.

Koji Mikami, a professor at the Tokyo University of Technology who specializes in gaming technology, spoke about the Saudi industry’s potential during an event in Riyadh on Monday.

“In my opinion, Saudi Arabian gamers love high-quality games and are willing to invest in premium gaming experiences,” he said.

Mikami emphasized that Saudi gamers’ spending power makes the region a valuable market for Japanese game studios.

“I believe Saudi Arabia has bigger potential than other regions, and I hope Japanese game studios will develop games tailored for the Saudi market,” he added.

The comments were made at a seminar hosted on Monday by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in collaboration with the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East.

The event, part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative, explored market trends, gaming technologies, and potential partnerships between the two nations.

With Saudi Arabia rapidly becoming a global hub for gaming and esports, the seminar underscored the potential for Japanese developers to invest in the Kingdom’s booming industry.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is famously a keen gamer, and according to PwC, 67 percent of the population — or 23.5 million people — share his hobby.

The Kingdom is also investing $38 billion into the gaming industry through the Public Investment Fund.

Discussions at the event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s gaming market growth, with increasing investments in game development, esports, and localization.

The event also touched on opportunities for collaboration between Saudi and Japanese gaming companies in areas such as co-developing new IPs, technology exchange, and industry partnerships.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on the future of gaming, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and cross-border partnerships to advance the industry.

Speakers reinforced Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a sustainable and tech-driven gaming ecosystem, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.

 


Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says

Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
Updated 10 February 2025
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Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says

Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
  • Riyadh conference highlights how businesses are transitioning to circular economy
  • Recycled goods, AI implementation are cutting carbon emissions

RIYADH: Consumers have an appetite for fashion items produced in a circular economy model, an executive said on Monday at a Riyadh conference.

“When it comes specifically to the fashion industry, we all know that we contribute to 10 percent of CO2 emissions, and (it) is the second-largest consumer of water,” Florence Bulte, chief sustainability officer at Chalhoub Group, said during a panel discussion at the World ESG Summit.

“We have been looking for a solution to change this aspect,” Bulte added.

She highlighted how the company realized that there was “an appetite” among consumers for green fashion.

One example Bulte noted is second-hand luxury items which are repaired before being resold — recycling materials and lowering costs while appealing to the demand for high-quality goods.

The conference highlighted how many businesses are working to switch from traditional to circular economy models.

This approach is presented as a sustainable alternative to the linear economy, which mainly focuses on taking, making and disposing.

In a linear model, resources are extracted, used and discarded, leading to an unsustainable depletion of natural resources and increased waste, whereas a circular economy focuses on designing products and systems that minimize waste, promote resource efficiency and extend the life cycle of materials.

This approach not only addresses environmental challenges, but also opens new avenues for economic growth and innovation.

As the Kingdom continues to promote sustainable development, the World Environment, Social and Governance Summit in Riyadh highlighted various ESG topics and investment opportunities.

During the event, one of the panel discussions focused on the transition to the circular economy and some of the strategies used by companies.

Among the panelists was SAWACO Water Group CEO Nizar Kammourie, who discussed how the company maintains sustainable practices in private water utility, including by launching AI in its water digitalization initiative.

“The purpose of this AI implementation is to have productive maintenance in place, so we know exactly what needs to be repaired before emergency shutdown,” said Kammourie.

The initiative reduced power consumption and maintenance costs, he added, preserving water resources and minimizing waste.

“So, less carbon emissions and more water,” Kammourie said.


Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat

Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat

Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
  • Fewer than 200 Arabian leopards thought to remain in wild
  • RCU driving efforts to preserve and repopulate species

RIYADH: Organizations in Saudi Arabia and abroad marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard on Monday, raising awareness of efforts to preserve the endangered species.

Historically widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, today there are thought to be fewer than 200 Arabian leopards living in the wild.

Their numbers declined rapidly in the 20th century due to habitat loss and illegal poaching, and they are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Saudi Arabia declared Feb. 10 Arabian Leopard Day in 2022 in a bid to raise awareness.

This was followed in June 2023 by a UN General Assembly declaring Feb. 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard.

The Royal Commission for AlUla is implementing one of the Kingdom’s most noteworthy preservation campaigns for the big cat.

“We are honored with the remarkable progress made in safeguarding this majestic species. From the birth of Hope in 2021 to the arrival of seven cubs in 2023 and the exceptional triplets in 2024, each step has been a leap of hope in our conservation efforts,” Royal Commission of AlUla spokesperson Abdulrahman AlTrairi told Arab News.

The commission more than doubled the number of leopards in its Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center to 32 since 2021, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Members of the public are now invited to participate in naming the triplet cubs through the rcu.gov.sa website.

The commission also established the Arabian Leopard Fund, with initial funding worth $25 million to support Arabian leopard conservation efforts in the Kingdom and abroad.

To mark this year’s Arabian Leopard Day, the commission held a conservation event at the London Zoo, attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar.

Princess Reema founded the initiative Catmosphere in 2021, and the organization has held “cat walk” events featuring more than 190,000 people in 136 countries to raise awareness of conservation issues.

Princess Modhi bint Fahd, chairwoman of the Saudi Animal Welfare Society REFQ, shared with Arab News her thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for their conservation efforts.

“We at REFQ are happy and thrilled to witness the International Day of the Arabian Leopard for an animal that was on the verge of extinction,”

“The credit goes to our great leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he is the man behind all regional environmental and ecological initiatives.”

Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Kyrgyzstan celebrated the occasion with a “cat walk” event in which a number of officials walked through the streets of the capital Bishek to raise awareness of the big cat’s plight.

A similar initiative was held by the Kingdom’s Embassy in Albania, where participants walked from Lake Tirana to the city’s zoo.

High-ranking officials from the Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka also took part in a cat walk in Colombo.


MENA tech startup launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot

MENA tech startup launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot
Updated 10 February 2025
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MENA tech startup launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot

MENA tech startup launches first AI-powered Arabic phone bot
  • Smartphone bot developed by Maqsam transcribes speech, understands intent, and responds fluently in Arabic, offering 24/7 automated support
  • Unlike existing machine-learning solutions, which are predominantly optimized for English, the bot handles linguistic variations across the Arab world

RIYADH: Saudi-based tech company Maqsam has unveiled the region’s first phone bot powered by artificial intelligence capable of handling customer service calls entirely in Arabic and English, including several dialects.

Speaking to Arab News at LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, Fouad Jeryes, cofounder and chief business officer of Maqsam, said the innovation tackles a central challenge businesses face when trying to provide a seamless Arabic-language customer service.

“Most global AI solutions do not support Arabic well,” Jeryes said. “There aren’t solutions that actually speak Arabic, so it’s a big gap here.”

The smartphone bot developed by Maqsam transcribes speech, understands intent, and responds fluently in Arabic, offering 24/7 automated support. 

Unlike existing machine-learning solutions, which are predominantly optimized for English, the bot handles linguistic variations across the Arab world, ensuring a more natural and effective customer experience.

Despite Arabic being one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, businesses have struggled to implement tech-powered customer service solutions that accurately process different dialects.

The bot’s ability to recognize and adapt to different Arabic dialects makes it particularly valuable for businesses operating in several markets in the MENA region.

“Good customer service is crucial for customer retention and trust, as it takes many positive experiences to offset one negative one. Better service leads to happier customers, reducing time wasted and improving overall customer experience,” Jeryes said. 

Maqsam’s bot has the potential to transform customer interactions, making services faster and more accessible, while reducing operational costs.

“If you can get to someone where you don’t have to be on hold, where they pick up every single time and service you immediately, it’s going to be easier — less time wasted, more efficiency, and better service overall, which keeps you happy as a customer,” Jeryes added.

The bot also acts as a co-pilot for human agents, reducing their workload and improving efficiency.

“The agent speaking to the customer doesn’t have to know all the information or handle every process. The bot listens in real time and translates that information into necessary actions,” Jeryes said.

However, automation will not completely replace human agents.

“There will be fewer human agents and more bots in the future,” he said. “But the human element needs to be there, because the bots will not be able to service all the scenarios.”

While the technology presents significant advances, risks and regulatory concerns surrounding AI-powered customer services remain.

“There’s a lot that’s going to come into the realm of regulation in this space in particular,” Jeryes said. “In general, humans will remain a very integral part of this community.” 

As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its digital economy under Vision 2030, such innovations contribute to the development of a more tech-driven business landscape, enhancing efficiency and supporting the Kingdom’s push for digital transformation.


Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
  • In 2023, the UN designated Feb. 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard to preserve the endangered wild species
  • Known as Panthera pardus nimr, the species is one of the smallest breeds of leopard

RIYADH: The Saudi Embassy in Albania marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, designated by the UN on Feb. 10.

The celebration on Monday started with a march from a lake in Tirana to the city’s zoo, followed by an official ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Faisal Ghazi Hifzi, the Saudi ambassador to Albania, said that Riyadh is committed to supporting global environmental initiatives and enhancing cooperation to protect biodiversity, SPA reported.

In 2023, the UN designated Feb. 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard to preserve the endangered wild species.

Known as Panthera pardus nimr, the Arabian leopard is one of the smallest breeds of leopard. Males typically weigh between 30 and 40 kg, while females weigh between 25 and 35 kg. Their fur color is a pale orange with small, spaced spots.

In recent years, the species’ numbers have declined to nearly 200 in Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. This sharp decrease in the Arabian Peninsula is attributed to habitat loss, a reduction in the availability of prey, attacks by herders, and illegal trade in wild species.

The Kingdom has been at the forefront of preserving and breeding the species at AlUla’s nature reserves in the western region.

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has preserved and bred 14 Arabian leopards at AlUla’s nature reserves, doubling their number to 32 by 2024, SPA added.