Qatar Urges Global Legal Framework on AI to Safeguard Human Rights at International Conference

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By Dr. Mervt Ibrahim, Ambassador of Peace for Qatar
Doha – The international conference “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future” concluded on Wednesday in Doha, highlighting the urgent need for binding legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and protect human rights worldwide.
Held over two days, the conference brought together more than 800 experts, policymakers, diplomats, and representatives from civil society and international organizations to deliberate the profound implications of AI on human rights. The event was hosted by Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, National Cybersecurity Agency, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The conference featured opening remarks from Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary-General of the NHRC, who underscored Qatar’s leadership in advancing ethical technological governance. The sessions were expertly moderated by renowned Al Jazeera journalist Iman Ayyad, who added depth and professionalism to the discussions.
Throughout the sessions, speakers issued strong and unified calls to address the current legislative vacuum surrounding AI. They emphasized the necessity of establishing binding international and national legal frameworks that balance the benefits of AI with the risks it poses to fundamental human rights, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and equality. There was broad consensus on the urgent need to promote global cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to ensure AI development aligns with ethical principles and human dignity.
A central theme of the conference was the importance of raising public awareness and education about the opportunities and risks of AI, particularly in promoting digital literacy across all levels of society. Participants also stressed the importance of designing AI systems that prioritize transparency, accountability, fairness, and inclusiveness. There was a clear call to ensure that vulnerable populations, who are often disproportionately affected by technological change, are protected through thoughtful policy and responsible deployment of AI technologies.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary-General of the NHRC, emphasized that the conference’s goal was to examine the intersection between artificial intelligence and human rights. He drew attention to the pressing challenges posed by AI, including violations of privacy, the rise in unemployment due to automation, and the potential for discriminatory outcomes through biased algorithms. “Modern technology has no meaning if it does not contribute to protecting and promoting human rights,” he said. He also reaffirmed Qatar’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation rooted in ethical values, noting that a rights-based approach to AI system design is essential to ensuring transparency, monitoring, and accountability.
The Doha conference, with its interdisciplinary and inclusive approach, provided a vital platform for international dialogue and consensus-building. It marked a significant step forward in shaping the future of AI governance—one where technological innovation enhances, rather than undermines, human dignity and fundamental freedoms.