Islamic Nations Set to Unveil Historic Joint AI Agreement, Says Science Minister
TEHRAN – A significant milestone for the Islamic world is on the horizon as the first multilateral document on artificial intelligence (AI) among Islamic countries is set to be approved during the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform. This pivotal event is scheduled to take place in Tehran from May 18 to 20, as announced by Science, Research, and Technology Minister, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf.
The OIC-15 Dialogue Platform is designed to leverage the scientific and technological capabilities of leading Islamic nations to tackle pressing challenges in science, technology, and higher education that affect Muslim societies. Simaei-Sarraf shared these insights on Sunday during a meeting with ambassadors and representatives from OIC-15 member states.
The focus of this upcoming ministerial meeting will revolve around the theme: ‘Innovation in Science and Technology through using AI: A strategy for excellence, a bright future for the Islamic World’. This theme underscores the importance of AI in shaping future advancements in Islamic nations.
“As representatives and ambassadors of Islamic countries charged with science and technology diplomacy, our responsibility is to foster convergence and alignment in our strategies, policies, and national science programs. We must leverage the opportunities presented by international organizations and forums, such as the OIC-15,” Simaei-Sarraf emphasized.
- Organizing the National Innovation System (NIS): Establishing a systematic approach to innovation across member states.
- Enhancing Economic Contributions: Developing programs aimed at increasing the role of science and technology in economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in various science and technology sectors.
Simaei-Sarraf highlighted these key science and technology policies being enacted across Islamic countries to foster growth and innovation.
The first Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in May 2023, marking the beginning of collaborative efforts among member states in the realm of science and technology.
Iran’s Standing Among Islamic Countries
Recent data from the Web of Science illustrates Iran’s prominent position among Islamic nations in the field of artificial intelligence. The country boasts:
- First Place: Ranking first in neural network technology with 17,458 documents.
- Multi-Agent Systems: Securing first in multi-agent systems with 351 documents.
- Global Rankings: 6th in neural network technology and 12th in multi-agent systems worldwide.
- AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics: Ranking second among Islamic nations in these fields.
This report, covering a twenty-year span from 2004 to 2023, emphasizes Iran’s contributions to the field of AI and its advancements.
Moreover, Iran has made significant strides in three-dimensional printing, ranking second among Islamic nations with 606 publications recorded over the last decade (2014 to 2023). The nation holds a global ranking of 22 in 3D printing publications.
According to a report released by the Web of Science in January, there was a notable increase in three-dimensional printing and additive manufacturing publications in Iran from 2010 to 2023. Key institutions contributing to this growth include:
- University of Tehran: 83 documents
- Amirkabir University of Technology: 83 documents
- Tarbiat Modarres University: 40 documents
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences: 37 documents
Additionally, Iran leads among Islamic countries in four-dimensional (4D) printing with 65 documents and ranks 11th globally, showcasing its advancements in this cutting-edge technology.
As the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform prepares for its next meeting, the focus on AI and technology innovation is expected to create a roadmap for the Islamic world, pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
