Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 1: Roeske Martin, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Salma Alkhoudi, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Ayman El-Sherbiny, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Salma Alkhoudi, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Ayman El-Sherbiny, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Format
Theater
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: We propose a 90-minute theater-style session divided into three main segments: 1. Presentation of Research Findings (25 minutes): A concise overview of key findings from our research on AI development disparities in the MENA region, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation. 2. Panel Discussion (45 minutes): A moderated discussion among experts representing countries at different AI development tiers, including government officials, industry leaders, technical experts, and civil society representatives. 3. Interactive Q&A (20 minutes): Dedicated time for audience engagement, with questions alternating between in-person and online participants.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: We propose a 90-minute theater-style session divided into three main segments: 1. Presentation of Research Findings (25 minutes): A concise overview of key findings from our research on AI development disparities in the MENA region, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation. 2. Panel Discussion (45 minutes): A moderated discussion among experts representing countries at different AI development tiers, including government officials, industry leaders, technical experts, and civil society representatives. 3. Interactive Q&A (20 minutes): Dedicated time for audience engagement, with questions alternating between in-person and online participants.
Policy Question(s)
1. How can regional cooperation mechanisms in AI governance be designed to accommodate countries at vastly different stages of AI development while ensuring equitable participation and benefit-sharing?
2. What role can middle-tier countries play in bridging the gap between AI leaders and developing nations within regional governance frameworks, and how can these relationships strengthen collective influence in global AI governance?
3. How can interoperable regulatory frameworks be developed across regions with diverse governance structures, technical capabilities, and national priorities to enable cross-border collaboration while preserving national sovereignty?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain evidence-based insights into the dynamics of the global AI governance landscape from a Global South perspective, with particular focus on the MENA region's unique case with novel challenges and opportunities. Through the presentation of research findings and the panel discussion, they will learn about practical cooperation models that balance national sovereignty with regional collaboration advantages.
The session will provide actionable frameworks for identifying opportunities for regional cooperation in AI governance, talent development, and infrastructure sharing. Participants will also gain understanding of how regional blocks can effectively engage with global AI governance initiatives to ensure their specific needs and priorities are represented.
SDGs
Description:
The AI revolution is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but its benefits and risks are unevenly distributed globally. This growing "AI divide" is particularly evident in the MENA region, where our research reveals stark disparities in AI readiness. As major powers invest billions in AI infrastructure and capabilities, this workshop addresses how countries at different stages of AI development can meaningfully participate in global governance frameworks. Drawing on extensive survey data from 327 companies across ten MENA countries and detailed country-level analysis, this workshop will begin with a presentation of key findings that highlight the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation in AI governance. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from government, academia, technical community, and the private sector representing countries at different stages of AI development within the region. Panelists will explore practical approaches to regional cooperation that can enhance collective influence in global AI governance while respecting national priorities. The discussion will examine how collaboration on talent development, regulatory harmonization, and shared infrastructure can create mutual benefits while strengthening the region's voice in shaping global AI frameworks. The session will highlight concrete examples of successful regional cooperation initiatives and examine how collaboration can overcome individual limitations in the five core enablers of AI development: digital infrastructure, human capital, data ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and innovation networks.
The AI revolution is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but its benefits and risks are unevenly distributed globally. This growing "AI divide" is particularly evident in the MENA region, where our research reveals stark disparities in AI readiness. As major powers invest billions in AI infrastructure and capabilities, this workshop addresses how countries at different stages of AI development can meaningfully participate in global governance frameworks. Drawing on extensive survey data from 327 companies across ten MENA countries and detailed country-level analysis, this workshop will begin with a presentation of key findings that highlight the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation in AI governance. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from government, academia, technical community, and the private sector representing countries at different stages of AI development within the region. Panelists will explore practical approaches to regional cooperation that can enhance collective influence in global AI governance while respecting national priorities. The discussion will examine how collaboration on talent development, regulatory harmonization, and shared infrastructure can create mutual benefits while strengthening the region's voice in shaping global AI frameworks. The session will highlight concrete examples of successful regional cooperation initiatives and examine how collaboration can overcome individual limitations in the five core enablers of AI development: digital infrastructure, human capital, data ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and innovation networks.
Expected Outcomes
The workshop will produce a structured framework for regional AI cooperation that accommodates different development stages and balances national priorities with collective benefits. This will include specific recommendations for governance mechanisms, talent sharing programs, and infrastructure collaboration.
The session will develop a mapping of potential regional cooperation initiatives prioritized by feasibility and impact, with suggested implementation pathways. Findings will be incorporated into ongoing research on inclusive AI governance at MBRSG and shared with relevant policymakers and IGF intersessional work streams.
Hybrid Format: We will have dedicated moderators for both onsite and online participation, ensuring equal attention to both audiences. The online moderator will actively curate questions and comments from remote participants and integrate them seamlessly into the discussion.
We will utilize a shared document (Miro board) where both online and in-person participants can contribute questions, insights, and resources in real-time, which will be displayed on-screen periodically.
During the Q&A segment, we will alternate between questions from in-person and online participants, ensuring balanced representation of perspectives.