On December 8, the opening of the international conference “Presentation of the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World” took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.
AzEdu.az reports that the purpose of the conference, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Education, and partnered by ICESCO, is to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence in the Islamic world, as well as to discuss the ethical, social, and economic impacts of artificial intelligence.
It should be noted that the document “Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World,” prepared for the scientific measurement of artificial intelligence development trends, is also being presented for the first time at the Baku conference.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, stated that artificial intelligence (AI) has already become an important part of daily life. According to her, this field not only creates great opportunities but also raises new questions and responsibilities. The importance of society correctly assessing the impact of artificial intelligence and guiding young people towards the opportunities of this technology while protecting them from risks was particularly emphasized.
The Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation noted that Azerbaijan is taking consistent steps in this direction. Within the framework of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025–2028, the establishment of a national artificial intelligence ecosystem, the development of an AI model in Azerbaijani for public services, the definition of standards for government agencies, and the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Academy are envisaged.
Leyla Aliyeva recalled that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has identified education as the main direction of its activities for 20 years. She stated that during this period, the Foundation has built and reconstructed more than 500 school buildings in Azerbaijan, modernized kindergartens and boarding schools, and provided thousands of children with modern educational tools.
She noted that the transition to the era of artificial intelligence further increases the importance of this mission. In her opinion, artificial intelligence is not just technology, but a new opportunity for every child.
The Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation also emphasized that artificial intelligence can play an important role in environmental protection. Monitoring rare animal species, controlling climate change, protecting forests, conserving water resources, and developing sustainable agriculture are among these opportunities.
In her speech, Leyla Aliyeva also touched upon cooperation with ICESCO. It was noted that within the framework of this partnership, schools for internally displaced girls are being built in Burkina Faso, and projects are continuing in Mali, Chad, and the Comoros. It was emphasized that the establishment of regional information and communication technology centers for youth and persons with disabilities, in cooperation with the UN Development Program, is one of the important works carried out in this direction.
Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev stated in his speech that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been promoting excellence in education, supporting innovative initiatives, and creating broad opportunities for children and youth for many years. The Foundation's activities play an invaluable role in strengthening education both in Azerbaijan and in the Islamic world. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Science and Education, together with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, is proud to implement common goals that contribute to the social and cultural development of society. Emin Amrullayev emphasized that artificial intelligence already affects our lives, work activities, and learning processes. Artificial intelligence has great potential for building stronger, fairer, and personalized education systems adapted to individual learners. However, this technology must be used responsibly, in accordance with ethical principles, and thoughtfully.
ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik noted in his speech that humanity is on the threshold of a new stage – the era of artificial intelligence. This is a force that shapes skills and influence. He stated that artificial intelligence has already become a strategic goal: those who embrace it accelerate development, while those who oppose it will see progress moving in other directions and will be left behind.
He added that artificial intelligence is not just technology, but also a tool that creates opportunities. Its application offers innovative solutions in education, healthcare, governance, and other fields.
The ICESCO Director-General emphasized the high level of existing cooperation between our countries.
Subsequently, within the framework of the conference, the 4th joint “Hamdan-ICESCO” award ceremony of ICESCO and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation was held.
It should be noted that this award is presented for contributions to the development of educational institutions and initiatives supporting the educational environment in Islamic world countries. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is honored with this award for its educational and social support projects aimed at the construction and reconstruction of schools in the Islamic world and other countries.
The award was also presented to Yemen's Hadramout Education Development Foundation and Morocco's First Level Education Foundation.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, congratulated the “Hamdan-ICESCO” award winners in his speech. He stated that today they have become a source of pride and inspiration for charitable organizations, donors, and benefactors who care for the educational environment and learners. He noted that they will not shy away from the responsibility of spreading the culture and impact of voluntary efforts to support education.
The conference then continued with panel discussions on the topic “Innovation in Education: The Impact and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.”
Before the discussions, the speakers emphasized that artificial intelligence already affects various areas of our lives and will play a significant role in the development of future generations.
It was noted that the application of artificial intelligence in the education system and science makes the teaching process more efficient, innovative, and interactive.
It was stated that artificial intelligence creates new opportunities in research areas, increases efficiency in various sectors of the economy, and stimulates the development of professions aligned with the demands of the future job market.
Subsequently, in a panel moderated by Wiam Shafik, a representative of ICESCO's Center for Prospective Studies and Artificial Intelligence, speakers highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences, strengthening cooperation, and regional initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence among countries.
In another panel, the guest speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-country coordination in the field of artificial intelligence, exploring ethical and socio-economic aspects, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive technological development. It was noted that these initiatives contribute not only to technological progress but also to the development of human capital, the improvement of education quality, and the deepening of regional cooperation.
At the end of the conference, the Baku Declaration on the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World was adopted.
The document states that the Islamic world acknowledges the profound impact of artificial intelligence on societies and economies, welcomes the artificial intelligence index as a vital new tool for ICESCO to fulfill its mission of developing education, science, and culture in the digital age, and recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence to advance education, healthcare, cultural preservation, economic development, and environmental management, while also acknowledging risks such as misuse, inequality, and the absence of security measures.
ICESCO member states and international partners reaffirm their determination to strengthen cooperation and their commitment to ensuring that the values and aspirations of the Islamic world are represented in international artificial intelligence discussions. Member states declare that the presentation of the artificial intelligence index in Baku lays the foundation for a new stage of cooperation for the Islamic world.
The document promotes constructive cooperation with international organizations, the implementation of joint projects, and reaffirms the commitment to peace, development, and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Based on the Declaration, member states will be able to develop national artificial intelligence strategies and ensure ethical security measures, sector priorities, and inclusive development.
The guests also visited the exhibition “Mənim dənizlərim, mənim okeanlarım” ("My Seas, My Oceans”) presented at the Heydar Aliyev Center within the framework of the conference. The exhibition aims to emphasize the importance of protecting one of our planet's most vital resources – water sources – in an era of climate change, global warming, and vulnerable ecosystems.
