Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, co-chaired a high-level meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development on Friday, June 12, 2026, in New York. The meeting served as a preparatory session ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI, scheduled to take place in Geneva.
The Group of Friends on AI for Sustainable Development was launched in 2024 to promote the ethical and inclusive use of artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting brought together UN member states, experts, and stakeholders to discuss governance frameworks and international cooperation on AI.
Ambassador Hilale emphasized Morocco's commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development, highlighting the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that developing countries benefit from AI advancements. The discussions focused on building consensus on key principles for the Geneva Global Dialogue.
The Geneva Global Dialogue, expected to be held later in 2026, aims to establish a roadmap for international AI governance, addressing issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical deployment of AI technologies. The meeting in New York was a crucial step in shaping the agenda for this global event.