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Rabat – The General Conference of UNESCO has approved the designation of Morocco’s “Ai Movement,” an international artificial intelligence center affiliated with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), as a Category II center under UNESCO’s umbrella.
The center was granted the designation today during the 42nd edition of the conference in Paris.
UNESCO’s Category II centers serve as international or regional hubs of expertise that provide technical assistance and services to member states, cooperation partners, and UNESCO’s decentralized network.
The Executive President of Ai Movement-UM6P Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni expressed her joy at this recognition, saying that it is a “source of great pride” for the center.
“Being acknowledged as a Category II center by UNESCO is an achievement for AI Movement, which has been in existence for two and a half years,” she said.
Speaking to the Moroccan news agency (MAP), Seghroushni said that this label will significantly enhance the center’s visibility, both at the continental and international levels.
She highlighted the potential for establishing connections with other centers of excellence, especially those affiliated with UNESCO, with focus on artificial intelligence and data sciences.
Highlighting the broader impact, Seghrouchni emphasized, “We believe that this designation will attract investments and draw in top-tier talent, catalyzing the growth of our initiatives.”
She added that it reflects the center’s commitment to fostering “responsible and ethical artificial intelligence, with a special emphasis on the African continent.”
The designation made Ai Movement-UM6P the first Category II center for artificial intelligence in Africa.
The Permanent Delegation of Morocco to UNESCO applauded the decision, stressing that it not only reaffirms Morocco’s regional leadership in emerging technologies but also underscores its dedication to AI’s ethical principles.
The delegation expects this recognition to boost regional and multilateral cooperation in this field, saying it offers significant potential for economic growth and social development in Africa.
A tripartite agreement outlining the modalities of cooperation is set to be signed soon between the Moroccan government, the “Ai Movement” center, and UNESCO, according to the delegation.
