First Regional Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship concludes its work in Damascus

The First Regional Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship concluded its work today, with the attendance of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdulsalam Haykal , entrepreneurs, and a group of digital technology experts from inside and outside Syria.

The conference was held at the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus.

The conference sessions on its second day addressed the challenges and opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, the importance of innovation as a guide for decision-makers in the digital world, and a detailed explanation of the risks of cybersecurity in light of the reliance on artificial intelligence as a future work tool that relies on information and data collection, which threatens the privacy of individuals and companies.

Participants in the sessions discussed the paths of digital diplomacy, digital transformation in countries that have suffered from wars, and their role in rebuilding the Syrian economy.

They also discussed attracting medical and educational talent and accelerating the process of reconstruction.

Dr. Jinan al-Khoury, an internationally accredited expert in cyber legislation from Lebanon, affirmed in a statement to SANA the importance of this legislation and the need to reconcile old and new legislation so that it encourages innovation rather than hinders it.

For his part, Rabie Baalbaki, head of the Innovation Committee at the Arab Union for Internet and Communications (ARISPA), from Lebanon, explained the role of digital paths in achieving growth in the digital economy.

Yesterday’s conference sessions also included the signing of three agreements between the Arab Union for Internet and Communications, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Syrian Scientific Society.  For information technology and the Bevol platform for managing and organizing volunteer work, in the presence of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

In a similar statement, Engineer Mohamed Ben Omar, Director General of the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO), from Tunisia, highlighted the importance of the three agreements, which constitute the legal framework for cooperation between the signatory parties.

For his part, Bashar al-Haraki, founder and CEO of the Bevol platform for managing volunteer work, noted that the platform includes more than 175 countries around the world, in five languages.

He explained that the agreement will provide a special platform for the union to communicate with experts and offer training programs and seminars to develop the capabilities of Syrian youth.

Dr. Firas Al-Bakour, President of the Arab Telecommunications and Internet Union, highlighted the importance of the tripartite agreements, which provide full Arab support for the Syrian technology sector, both public and private, thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology.