"Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"
A Webinar Organized by the Middle East Council of Churches
Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: While we find artificial intelligence a means of improving human dignity in some areas, its negative effects are not insignificant, and will gradually become apparent as this new logic sweeps across all areas of life
As part of the “Dialogue, Human Dignity and Social Cohesion” program, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a new webinar entitled "Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", on Thursday, March 27, 2025, with the participation of specialists, academicians, and interested attendees in the topic at hand.
The symposium, which was broadcasted live on the MECC platform, included two interventions, moderated by Professor Laure Abi Khalil, the Coordinator of the “Dialogue, Human Dignity and Social Cohesion” program, who, in her opening speech, highlighted the concept of artificial intelligence and the concerns it poses to the issue of justice and human dignity, which are now facing numerous threats.
The symposium began with a speech delivered by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, entitled "Technology, This Enemy Friend." He said, "We must first acknowledge that the elitism produced by artificial intelligence separates people into those who are part of this cultural movement and those who are not, and separates a single society into those who are integrated into this new path and those who are not. This creates a rift and marginalization at both the international and local levels, and separates people as it separates the children of a single society. This is considered the greatest challenge to equal opportunities, which are praised by modern societies that advocate for justice and human rights."
He continued, "In addition, as is the case with any technological advancement, artificial intelligence will lead to the elimination of a large number of jobs, estimated at hundreds of thousands internationally. Consequently, it will be a major cause of unemployment and the relegation of hundreds of thousands of people to the abyss of professional and social marginalization, which inevitably leads to misery."
He added, "While we find artificial intelligence a means of improving human dignity in some areas, its negative effects are not insignificant, and will gradually become apparent as this new logic sweeps across all areas of life."
The first intervention entitled "Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges," was then delivered by Dr. Rami Ajeeb, the Technical Director of epS Company for Artificial Intelligence Applications (Egypt). He provided a definition of artificial intelligence, highlighting the opportunities it offers and the challenges it poses at various levels. He also talked about the skills required in the age of artificial intelligence.
The second intervention focused on "Legal Liability for the Risks of Artificial Intelligence and Ways to Protect Human Values," with Professor Dr. Safaa Mogharbel, Professor of Business Law at the Lebanese University (Lebanon). She explored the legal identity of artificial intelligence to identify those responsible for these electronic entities. She also discussed the relationship between law and artificial intelligence, as well as how to address this development.
The symposium ended with a session for questions and discussion, where participants exchanged views and experiences from their respective positions and specializations.