‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official

Arab and international experts unite in discussions on AI and human rights. (AN Photo)
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Updated 01 July 2024
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‘Many challenges’ in combating Islamophobia, protecting human rights: top OIC official

JEDDAH: The 23rd regular session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation began on June 30 and will continue until July 4 in Jeddah.

All OIC member and observer states are attending, including their national human rights institutions, experts from international and regional organizations, and senior officials of the OIC General Secretariat.

Noura bint Zaid Al-Rashoud, OIC-IPHRC executive director, said in her opening speech: “The commission faces many significant challenges, especially in combating Islamophobia and protecting the human rights guaranteed to Muslim minorities, women and children.

“In this context, it is necessary to note that the OIC region is grappling with a number of complex human rights issues, and it is our duty to engage in cooperative efforts to address each of these emerging issues appropriately.

“The most urgent and emerging issue today is the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which requires us to pay more attention,” Al-Rashoud added.

She said that the secretariat will draft a comprehensive statement that highlights the results of the high-level meeting and the deliberations that will take place during the closed sessions of the working group on Palestine.

Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC secretary-general, said that “humanity stands on the brink of a new revolution” due to artificial intelligence, which will “transform our approach to life, living, thinking and working.”

AI is revolutionizing almost every aspect of human existence, from healthcare and education, to transportation and communication, Taha added.

He said that Islamic history is rich in scientific heritage, with Muslims pioneering study in a range of fields. The complex algorithms that form the foundation of today’s AI are a result of the sophisticated equations that Muslim scholars, such as Al-Khwarizmi, endeavored to build and develop, he added.

Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general, highlighted the areas of cooperation between the GCC and OIC in safeguarding human rights. The collaboration spans agreements, joint efforts and consultations in human rights, complemented by political coordination to address crises and conflicts in the Islamic world.

Addressing the daily atrocities committed by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, Al-Budaiwi highlighted the international community’s failure to protect those in dire need.

He urged renewed joint efforts to confront challenges, notably the Palestinian plight and escalating tensions in Gaza.

The Arab League’s assistant secretary-general, Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence AI in daily life, alongside the pressing challenges that the technology presents.

A memoranda of understanding was signed between the league and GCC aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration on global human rights challenges.

During the first session, “International/Standard and Islamic Legal Perspectives on Human Rights Concerning Artificial Intelligence" Scott Campbell, senior human rights officer of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Dr. Nenden Shanty, director of the training and technical cooperation department at SESRIC, took part.

Shanty said that since many OIC countries are developing national plans to support the adoption and development of AI in their economies.

She provided policy recommendations, saying: “Breaching the digital divide in OIC countries involves a multi-phased approach that begins with assessing the current digital landscape in identifying priority areas, and engaging stakeholders to understand the specific challenges faced by underserved communities.”

Campbell shared the UNHCR’s perspective on these crucial challenges.

“We cannot afford any delay. The world waited too long, for example, on climate change; we should not repeat that mistake. But what can regulation look like? We should begin by addressing the harms that people currently face and are likely to encounter in the future,” he said.

The second session, titled “Institutional Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities,” featured speakers including Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah, president of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Things in Kuwait; Alaa Abdelaal, head of the Digital Foresight Sector at the Digital Cooperation Organization; and Sharon Slater, president of Family Watch International from the US.

Al-Sabah said: “The ethical framework guiding artificial intelligence is of the utmost importance for several reasons, encompassing essential aspects of human rights, societal norms and the potential impacts of AI technology. Constructing AI ethics aims to foster fairness, human justice, trust and equality.”

On Monday, the commission will hold a high-level event titled “International Court of Justice Judgment on Gaza: Implications for the Future and Possible Ways Forward.”

It will analyze the ICJ’s judgment on Gaza, focusing on implementing measures to end the humanitarian crisis and advocating for justice and accountability for human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Additionally, the commission will sign deals with international and regional organizations to enhance technical cooperation.

From July 2-4, the commission will hold closed meetings of its working groups at the IPHRC Headquarters to discuss civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC member states, as well as human rights violations in Palestine and India-administered Jammu and Kashmir.


KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities

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KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency, KSrelief, has continued its humanitarian projects in Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Syria, the agency distributed 349 food parcels to displaced people in Daraa, while in Sudan it delivered 830 parcels to residents of Karari.

In Pakistan, KSrelief distributed 2,680 food parcels to communities affected by flooding, benefiting more than 16,000 people.

Meanwhile in Yemen, the agency continued its water supply and sanitation project in Hodeidah, pumping 1.5 million liters of water into the community. It also carried out 49 waste removal operations in camps for displaced people, benefiting 16,170 individuals.


Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Updated 14 August 2025
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Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

  • Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate.

Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians.

Infographic posted by the group Ensan announcing the charitable organization's campaign for donations to its project/ (X: @ensanorg)

Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes.

Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform https://ensan.sa/ar/shop/170.
 


Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Updated 14 August 2025
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Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

  • Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi presented with the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.

Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.

Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.

“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.

“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”

Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.

He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.

The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
 

 


Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.

During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

Updated 13 August 2025
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Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications

  • Cultural program of the Kingdom’s Visual Arts Commission
  • Scotland, Japan, South Korea, Spain are the nations hosting

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has launched its “Art Bridges” initiative for 2025–2026, a series of international programs designed to promote cultural exchange.

The programs will be hosted in Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Spain.

The first in Scotland will be held from Sept. 22 to 27, in partnership with the British Council Scotland.

Japan will host an event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, followed by South Korea from Nov. 19 to 27, and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said in a statement that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world.

Each edition of “Art Bridges” will be tailored to the host destination.

There will be meetings with thought leaders, visits to major cultural institutions, museums, galleries and artist studios, as well as workshops, knowledge-exchange sessions, and discussions with prominent local art figures.

The 2025–2026 programs will explore specific themes, with Japan focusing on art and the environment by examining how artists interact with natural, urban and traditional settings.

South Korea’s program will address identity through art and society by studying community cultural movements, independent artist spaces and collaborative platforms.

In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice by showcasing the intersection of shared artistic expression, and social purpose in cultural spaces.

The application window for those wishing to participate opens on Aug. 13. The deadline for Japan is Aug. 21, while South Korea and Spain close on Aug. 31.

Applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience, submit a strong portfolio, be fluent in English and commit to the full program schedule.

The commission stated that “Art Bridges” forms a cornerstone of its strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence globally, build sustainable creative ecosystems, and forge long-term international partnerships.