Oman attends Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly
The Oman Council represented the Sultanate at the 149th session of the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his speech, Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, highlighted Oman's efforts in utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital technologies to achieve strategic goals that support the advancement of science, knowledge, technology and innovation for sustainable development and security.
The Chairman emphasised that science, technology and innovation are key pillars of national work in Oman. He said that Oman Vision 2040 has set clear objectives in education, learning, scientific research and national capabilities including establishing an effective national system for research, innovation and creativity that contributes to developing a knowledge-based economy.
He noted Oman’s initiatives in deploying AI and advanced digital technologies, such as launching the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies.
This includes several initiatives, such as establishing a National Centre for Research and Development and a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He also highlighted Oman's pioneering use of AI in the electoral process for the current Shura Council members.
The Chairman stressed the importance of cooperation in leveraging science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future by keeping pace with advanced knowledge and technology and managing emerging developments effectively.
He underscored the role of science and technology in achieving the aspirations for a dignified life for society members.
In his speech, Khalid Al Maawali also called for enhancing international cooperation to create a positive impact on countries and people in both the short and long term.
He warned against the misuse of AI technologies, particularly in humanitarian crises, pointing to the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the destruction in Lebanon, which are a result of the harmful use of AI.
He concluded by calling for unified efforts to halt violations and massacres in Palestine and Lebanon. He stressed that the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Union goes beyond fostering dialogue between parliaments to confronting all forms of aggression and injustice that threaten international stability, people’s rights and global peace.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.