Iran is calling for a collective effort among Islamic countries to advance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, emphasizing principles such as multilateral cooperation, scientific synergy, shared infrastructures, and ethical standards. This call was made by First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref during the second Ministerial Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform, held from May 17 to 19 in Tehran.
Aref proposed establishing a high-level steering group to monitor global AI developments and creating detailed roadmaps for short and long-term scientific cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of networking research centers within the Islamic world to foster joint research, academic exchanges, and technology development. Furthermore, the proposals include collaborative funding initiatives to support AI projects and the development of an Islamic charter on AI ethics rooted in Islamic law, social justice, and human dignity.
The OIC-15 meeting, themed ‘Innovation in Science and Technology through using AI: A strategy for excellence, a bright future for the Islamic World,’ aimed to strengthen regional scientific diplomacy and address challenges in AI and higher education sectors. Participants discussed the impact of AI on economic development and set the stage for the first multilateral AI document among Islamic nations. Iran showcased its achievements in science and technology through an exhibition, emphasizing the region’s commitment to technological progress.
Across the globe, tech giant Apple faces significant internal resistance in its AI development efforts. According to a Bloomberg report, senior executives, including software chief Craig Federighi, are hesitant to allocate substantial resources to AI, viewing it as not aligned with Apple’s traditional product-focused approach. This skepticism has led to delays in advancing AI features, such as upgrades to Siri, and has hindered the launch of Apple Intelligence, the company’s integrated AI system.
As Apple prepares for its upcoming WWDC, the company’s internal conflicts suggest that prominent AI innovations may be scaled back or delayed, reflecting broader industry challenges in balancing exploratory research with product delivery. Industry analysts observe that Apple’s reactive stance on AI has possibly cost it valuable time in a competitive market where rivals have made notable advancements.
Meanwhile, an international conference on AI and intellectual property law is scheduled at Durham University, encouraging diverse regional perspectives on how jurisdictions worldwide are addressing AI-related legal and ethical issues. The event aims to foster discussions on innovation, IP regulation, and equitable access amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape, highlighting the global importance of responsible AI development.
