Iran urges expansion of AI cooperation among Muslim nations
Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref called for the establishment of a high-level steering committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the second Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform in Tehran on Monday.
The second meeting of higher education ministers from member states of the OIC Dialogue Platform opened in Tehran on Sunday and continued on Monday at the level of science ministers from Islamic countries, IRNA reported.
Highlighting Iran’s strategic focus on AI, Aref stressed, “The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly believes in advancing science and technology in this field,” IRNA quoted Aref as saying.
The establishment of the ‘Headquarters for AI Technology Development and Applications’ underscores the government’s commitment to progress in the high-tech domain, he said.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has prioritized multiple measures to develop infrastructure, provide intelligent support, and foster an innovation ecosystem in AI,” Aref added.
“Iran believes the future of AI development in the Islamic world must rest on three pillars: multilateral cooperation, scientific synergy, and shared infrastructure,” he said, adding that the country “suggests forming a high-level steering committee for AI development within the OIC to establish a sustainable framework for deliberation, policymaking, monitoring global AI trends, and drafting mid- to long-term roadmaps for scientific and technological collaboration in this field.”
The vice president reiterated Iran’s readiness to play an active role in advancing AI technology among Islamic nations, stating, “AI is not merely a technology — it has comprehensive impacts on industry, economy, and human societies. If Muslim nations move forward with collective will, knowledge, and cooperation, they can jointly create a future where AI serves businesses, governments, humanity, development, and dignity.”
Aref also noted that members of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform have agreed to issue a statement at the conclusion of this meeting as the first joint AI document of Islamic countries — “a document that reflects our collective determination to advance convergent policies.”
“The establishment of centers, creation of an inter-Islamic network of young ambassadors for science, technology, and innovation, and the launch of low-cost or free platforms in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and nanotechnology must be prioritized by Islamic nations,” he added.
Islamic world’s AI share less than 5%
According to the Iranian vice president, the Islamic world’s share in AI-related scientific production, technological development, and economic value creation is estimated at less than 5 percent.
“This figure starkly contrasts with the vast potential and capabilities of Islamic countries. Formulating an intergovernmental program and fostering active collaboration among Islamic nations to increase their share in the global AI market is imperative,” he said.
“According to credible estimates, AI will impact 40 to 60 percent of jobs worldwide. While approximately 83 million jobs may be lost over the next four years, at least 69 million new AI-dependent jobs will emerge,” he said.
He further noted, “The young and tech-enthusiast population, a dynamic and growing human capital in fields like basic sciences, engineering, and related disciplines, the large domestic markets of Islamic countries — home to over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide — and the rising demand for AI products and services are among the significant assets of Islamic nations for advancing AI.”