The conference witnessed Akharbach’s acknowledgment of the groundbreaking UN resolution adopted on March 21, 2024. She emphasized its relevance, being the first-ever UN resolution on AI, which highlights the need for inclusive governance approaches grounded in international law, catering to the diverse needs and capacities of both developed and developing nations.
Akharbach articulated the importance of not constraining AI usage but rather focusing on controlling its utilization while expanding access to its developmental opportunities for countries. She underscored the necessity for a unified global approach to regulate digital platforms to ensure a safe and equitable digital environment, particularly crucial for the African continent.
Furthermore, Akharbach stressed Africa’s role in contributing to global regulation, advocating for the consideration of the continent’s specificities and realities in regulatory frameworks. She emphasized that amidst challenges such as social cohesion, national unity, and cultural sovereignty, establishing an efficient regulatory model rooted in rights and freedoms becomes an urgent imperative.
The international conference, organized by the Ivorian regulatory body HACA-CI, brought together regulators from around twenty African countries and the Francophone space, along with representatives from UNESCO, the International Organization of La Francophonie, and major global digital platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and Google.
The delegation from HACA, led by Akharbach, included Talal Salaheddine, manager of African and international affairs, and Othmane Alami, senior executive in the legal department. Their participation underscored the commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration towards effective regulation of AI and digital platforms, ensuring a balanced approach that serves the interests of all stakeholders.
