Balancing Governance and Innovation: Insights from the AI Ethics for Policy: Perspectives from MENA Seminar

Basma Balabel

On Wednesday, October 22nd 2025, the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the American University in Cairo’s Onsi Sawiris School of Business and its flagship initiative MENA Observatory on Responsible AI, co-organized a seminar titled “AI Ethics for Policy: Perspectives from MENA”, with the Information Ethics Working Group under the Information for All Programme (IFAP), UNESCO. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Nagla Rizk Professor of Economics and Founding Director of A2K4D Center at the American University in Cairo. Dr. Nagla was joined by Dr. Fatima Roumate Professor of International Law at the Faculty of Law, Economic and Social Sciences Agdal at the Mohammed V University and President of  the Global Network on AI and International Society GNAI&IS, Morocco.

The seminar brought together experts from across the MENA region and the Information Ethics Working Group to explore how ethical frameworks can guide Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption amid rapid technological change. Dr. Nagla reminded the participants that the core mission of the MENA Observatory is to raise awareness and connect communities, framing collaboration as central to understanding both challenges and opportunities for advancing AI ethics. Dr. Viktoriia Romaniu, Chair of the IFAP Information Ethics Working Group and Director of the Mohyla School of Journalism at NaUKMA, echoed this sentiment by stating that technology should serve humanity and emphasized that many of the challenges faced by MENA countries are similar by nature which makes collaboration essential. Furthermore, Dr. Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist, IFAP Secretariat, highlighted the urgency of the discussion by noting that AI and digital technologies are advancing at a faster rate than regulatory frameworks.

Responsible AI and Cultural Contexts

The first round of discussions started by exploring how ethical principles can be integrated into AI policy. Participants agreed that for MENA countries in specific cultural context and sensitivity should be taken into consideration to ensure the implementation of ethical and responsible AI. Dr. Roumate emphasized that if MENA countries adopt ethical global principles then they should reflect cultural norms and local realities. On a similar note,  Professor Siva Prasad, Member of the IFAP Information Ethics Working Group, introduced the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems into AI development. He emphasized that local datasets and cultural insights are essential to prevent algorithmic bias and ensure that AI solutions are relevant, sustainable, and respectful of community identities. 

The second round of discussion highlighted the experiences of different MENA countries like: Egypt, Qatar, Morocco, and Lebanon. Experts from each country presented national efforts and progress in integrating AI ethics in policy and reflected on relevant challenges and opportunities.

Human-Centric AI and Legal Accountability

Maintaining human autonomy and accountability emerged as a critical theme during the discussion. Mr. Mochini Refai, Legal Advisor to public administrations at the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG), argued that AI systems should never be given human voices or responsibilities in any legal system to ensure maintaining human autonomy and accountability Dr. Ming Kuok Lim, Advisor for Communication and Information at the UNESCO office in Rabat, reinforced that AI should support humans in decision-making not replace traditional thinking. He also highlighted the need for robust laws to safeguard ethical implementation of AI technologies.

Regional Progress Across MENA Countries

The seminar showcased various success stories across the region. From Qatar, Dr. Hassan Al Mulla, Counsellor and Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to UNESCO, noted that while AI is advancing at a much faster pace than regulations, Qatar has made significant strides in implementing national strategies that balance innovation with ethical principles.

Egypt’s experience was presented by Mr. Mohamed Farahat, Lawyer and Member of UNESCO's AI Ethics Experts Without Borders (AIEB) network, who stated that Egypt is showing steady progress with the launch of its first AI strategy and charter in 2023. They expanded this progress by publishing a second extended version of the AI strategy in 2025 which incorporated ethical guidelines and legislative steps. He noted that despite the progress,  Egypt still lacks AI-specific laws and relies mainly on broader digital regulations such as cybersecurity and intellectual property laws.

Morocco’s achievements were outlined by Dr. Asmaa El Hannani, Professor at University Choaib Eddoukali, Al Jadida, Morocco, who emphasized the country’s early adoption of UNESCO recommendations, strong digital infrastructure, cybersecurity ranking, and open data initiatives mark significant milestones in implementing ethical AI principles. Despite these strengths, she stressed the need for AI-specific legislation similar to Europe’s AI Act to address impacts on labor markets, the environment, and cultural heritage.

Lebanon’s perspective, shared by Dr. Lina Oueidat, Advisor to the Prime Minister for ICT in the Republic of Lebanon, highlighted the challenge of moving from theory to practice amid political and economic instability. She highlighted Lebanon’s ethical priorities which include privacy protection, accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusive growth and also stressed the need for sustainable AI solutions.

The Way Forward

The seminar concluded with a shared understanding that ethical AI cannot evolve in isolation and that collaboration between MENA countries is essential. Additionally, investing in human capacity and ensuring inclusive human participation are essential tools to maintain human autonomy and implement sustainable, ethical and responsible AI technologies.