Geneva, February 25 (QNA) - The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Tajikistan and under the auspices of the Permanent Mission of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), organized a side event on Wednesday entitled "Youth and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping a Human Rights Future" on the sidelines of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council.

The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, civil society organizations concerned with youth and human rights issues, as well as experts and specialists in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital policies.

In her opening remarks, First Secretary of Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva Sarah Abdulaziz Al Khater, noted that the Human Rights Council, in Resolution 59/11 on “New and Emerging Digital Technologies and Human Rights,” adopted last year, called upon Member States and other stakeholders to prevent harm to individuals caused by emerging technologies, including AI systems. She added that the resolution also urged refraining from using AI applications that cannot be operated in accordance with international human rights law or that pose an unjustifiable risk to the enjoyment of human rights, or to cease their use until adequate safeguards are in place to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

For his part, youth advocate at QatarDebate, Hamad Al Mahdi, emphasized the importance of collective reflection on the trajectory of AI technologies, noting that society stands at a critical juncture in this field.

He stressed that young people should not be passive users of AI, but active partners in shaping its development and guiding its future.

The side event highlighted the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in empowering youth and enhancing education and access to knowledge, while also addressing challenges related to privacy protection, reducing algorithmic bias, and ensuring a safe and responsible digital environment. (QNA)