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As a partner of the ITU AI for Good Global Summit 2026, the Muslim Council of Elders, in cooperation with Globethics, organized a high-level panel discussion titled “AI as a Global Common Good: What Do Religious and Industry Leaders Think?” in Geneva, Switzerland, on 8 July 2026. The event marked the first initiative of its kind in the history of the Summit, bringing together religious leaders and technology industry pioneers to examine the ethical and humanitarian implications of artificial intelligence and explore how shared values can help guide its development and deployment in the service of humanity and the common good.

The session brought together religious leaders, technology experts, ethics scholars, and industry representatives to explore how ethical principles and shared human values can guide the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence. 

Moderated by Dr. Fadi Daou, Executive Director of Globethics, the discussion focused on safeguarding human dignity, strengthening accountability, fostering trust, and ensuring that artificial intelligence remains a tool that serves humanity and the common good. Participants emphasized the need for deeper cooperation among religious institutions, the technology sector, policymakers, and international organizations to help shape a more inclusive and human-centered future for AI.

Alessandra Sala, Chair of the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration, highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between values and business practice. She noted that companies are guided by core values and that ethical principles must be translated into practical actions and business models. She stressed that organizations are more likely to embrace ethical AI when they recognize that responsible practices generate value, trust, and long-term benefits for both businesses and society.

Dr. Brian Patrick Green, Director of Technology Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University and representative of the Vatican, emphasized that the future of AI depends on a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. He argued that no single discipline, institution, or tradition holds a monopoly on truth and that effective AI governance requires drawing upon diverse sources of knowledge and wisdom. He also warned against “ethics washing,” stressing that dialogue between technology companies and religious leaders must result in meaningful action rather than symbolic commitments, and that all stakeholders must exercise responsible human agency in shaping the future of AI.

Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Global Interfaith Leader and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), underscored the importance of integrating spiritual and moral wisdom into discussions on artificial intelligence. He observed that AI is already shaping critical sectors of society, including healthcare, education, governance, and public life, making ethical guidance more necessary than ever. He stressed that while technology can reveal what humanity is capable of doing, faith and spirituality help determine what humanity ought to do. He further emphasized that decisions relating to human dignity, freedom, and moral responsibility should not be delegated entirely to machines and called for collective stewardship of AI informed by both technological expertise and ethical wisdom.

Rim Belhassine Cherif, Chair of the Network of Women in ITU-T and Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at Tunisie Télécom, stressed that AI should serve people and improve their lives. She highlighted the importance of keeping human dignity, trust, and inclusion at the center of technological development and emphasized the responsibility of telecommunications operators to ensure that AI creates value for society as a whole. She also underscored the importance of international standards in translating ethical principles into practical implementation and called for greater diversity in AI development, noting that the success of AI should ultimately be measured by its contribution to building a more connected, inclusive, and human-centered society.

Participants emphasized that religions are essential partners in shaping the ethical frameworks that govern artificial intelligence, given the values-based and humanitarian principles they offer in safeguarding human dignity, promoting ethical responsibility, and reinforcing shared human values.

They also stressed that dialogue between religious leaders and technology industry pioneers should go beyond the exchange of ideas and perspectives and evolve into practical partnerships and implementable initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for religious leaders to play a more active role in offering their perspectives on the impact of technology on individuals and societies, thereby helping to guide innovation toward serving humanity and advancing the common good.

Participants further called for greater involvement of women and youth in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence, recognizing them as key partners in shaping the future of technology. They emphasized that diversity and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a more just and human-centered global framework for AI governance.

At the conclusion of the session, participants agreed that building a responsible future for artificial intelligence requires a global partnership that brings together governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, civil society institutions, and religious leaders. Such collaboration, they noted, is essential to ensuring that humanity remains at the center of technological progress and that ethical principles are translated into practical policies and actions, making artificial intelligence a global public good that serves humanity and promotes sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the inaugural edition of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, organized by the United Nations on July 6–7, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brings together government leaders, UN officials, representatives of the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to strengthen international cooperation and explore global frameworks for the governance of artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Chief Advisor of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that humanity is at a pivotal moment in its history—one that requires the establishment of a global framework for AI governance based on the principles of justice, responsibility, transparency, and the protection of human dignity. Such a framework, he noted, must ensure that human beings remain both the centerpiece and ultimate purpose of scientific and technological progress, while enabling AI applications to contribute to development, peace, and human prosperity.

Judge Abdelsalam added that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, continues—working in partnership with Al-Azhar and international stakeholders—its efforts to strengthen the ethical dimension of artificial intelligence. These efforts include advancing the development of a Global Charter for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, based on the conviction that scientific and technological progress can achieve its humanitarian objectives only when grounded in a shared ethical and value-based framework, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for promoting peace, justice, and human flourishing.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders stems from its mission to promote shared human and ethical values and to support international efforts aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are employed in ways that serve humanity, safeguard human dignity, and advance peace and sustainable development.

Established pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly resolution, the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance serves as an inclusive international platform designed to foster international cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote an open, transparent, and inclusive dialogue on the future of AI governance. The initiative seeks to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all countries and peoples and that global governance frameworks reflect the priorities of all nations—not only those with the most advanced technological capabilities.

The Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance is being held alongside the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 and the AI for Good Global Summit, reinforcing international efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive, and human-centered digital future.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in Geneva featured a series of meetings and discussions with international, UN, and religious leaders. These engagements focused on the importance of strengthening international cooperation, promoting shared human values, and supporting efforts to build a more peaceful and united world amid rapidly evolving global challenges. The Council’s participation reflects the intellectual and humanitarian vision championed by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to advance the values of dialogue, peace, and human fraternity worldwide.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization and a member of the judging committee of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Anda Filip, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; a number of ambassadors and permanent representatives to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva; along with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches.

During these meetings, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders and its efforts to promote dialogue among religions and cultures and advance the values of human fraternity, coexistence, and peace. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building effective international partnerships that contribute to addressing humanitarian challenges and translating shared values into practical initiatives that serve humanity and safeguard human dignity.

He also noted that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi, has become a global platform celebrating inspiring humanitarian efforts and promoting the values of fraternity, coexistence, and mutual understanding among peoples. International leaders praised the award’s growing global stature as an independent recognition of humanitarian initiatives and efforts that advance shared human values. They emphasized that the award’s international prominence reflects the increasing need for such initiatives at a time when the world faces multiple conflicts and crises, helping to build a more peaceful and humane future for humanity.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also discussed with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the importance of strengthening the role of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in supporting peacebuilding efforts. He stressed that peace is both a humanitarian and moral imperative that enables health and humanitarian institutions to fulfill their mission of protecting lives and preserving human dignity, particularly amid wars and conflicts whose consequences are borne most heavily by innocent civilians and vulnerable communities. In this context, the Director-General of the World Health Organization praised the leading role played by the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity and supporting WHO efforts to address global health challenges and respond to humanitarian crises.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also met with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and the World Council of Churches. The discussions focused on strengthening joint efforts to combat hate speech and extremism and building bridges of trust and understanding among followers of different religions and cultures. Rev. Dr. Pillay emphasized the importance of the UAE model in promoting the values of human fraternity and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, describing it as an inspiring example of advancing coexistence and peace.

The meeting also highlighted the urgent need for religious leaders and international institutions to join forces in strengthening human solidarity in the face of global crises and placing human beings and their dignity at the center of international priorities. Such an approach would help ensure that scientific and technological progress—particularly in the field of artificial intelligence—remains dedicated to serving humanity and advancing the common good.

These meetings form part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ ongoing efforts to expand its international engagement, strengthen partnerships with UN, religious, and intellectual institutions, support pathways of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and promote the values of human fraternity, peace, and coexistence.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, General Advisor of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019, represents a global civilizational and humanitarian project aimed at safeguarding human dignity, promoting a culture of dialogue and coexistence, and advancing the values of peace and human fraternity among peoples.

The remarks came during an event organized by the Shamma Mohammed Council for Thought and Knowledge under the title “The Journey of Human Fraternity from Abu Dhabi to the World: Towards a Shared Human Future” held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, and was attended by a distinguished group of intellectuals and individuals interested in humanitarian and cultural affairs.

During the event, moderated by media personality Hind Khalifat, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam reviewed the process leading to the drafting of the Document on Human Fraternity, including years of consultations and dialogue between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church, as well as a number of religious and intellectual leaders. These efforts ultimately culminated in the signing of the historic document in Abu Dhabi, which has since become a global reference for promoting the values of coexistence, fraternity, and peace.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also highlighted his book, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path,” which chronicles the journey of human dialogue that led to the issuance of the Document on Human Fraternity, as well as the challenges and efforts that accompanied its development. He emphasized that this experience has provided a pioneering global model for dialogue and cooperation among religions and cultures.

He noted that the remarkable success achieved by the Document on Human Fraternity is a reflection of the UAE’s visionary approach under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and its firm belief that tolerance, dialogue, and respect for diversity constitute essential pillars for building a more stable and prosperous future for humanity. He added that the UAE’s wise leadership embraced this major humanitarian initiative and provided the supportive environment necessary for it to flourish and expand from Abu Dhabi to the world, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global capital of tolerance and coexistence and a gathering place for peacebuilders.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam explained that the Document on Human Fraternity has evolved beyond a mere declaration of principles to become a comprehensive civilizational and humanitarian project. It calls for rejecting intolerance, extremism, and hatred, while promoting a culture of dialogue and joint action among peoples and cultures, based on the belief in a shared human destiny.

At the conclusion of the event, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam stressed that investing in human development remains the true foundation for the advancement of societies. He noted that awareness and confidence are the two essential pillars for shaping the future and emphasized that strengthening younger generations’ understanding of their identity and authentic values is crucial to enabling them to engage positively with the world, contribute meaningfully to their countries’ development, and help build a more peaceful and humane future.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, along with her accompanying delegation. During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized that artificial intelligence, without ethical safeguards, risks undermining human values, and that no scientific advancement can truly benefit humanity if it is detached from these values.

His Eminence explained that the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies raises genuine concerns about their impact on moral and human values. He noted that excessive reliance on such tools is already negatively affecting critical thinking and creativity, and has become a means of reinforcing certain negative behaviors, circumventing ethical standards, and appropriating the work of others. He warned that the absence of a governing ethical framework for artificial intelligence could lead to a future in which human dignity declines and the principles upheld by divine religions are eroded.

His Eminence further raised concerns about the future of humanity if such technologies were to be controlled by a limited few capable of influencing the fate of nations, development trajectories, and the broader future of humanity. He stressed that while scientific progress is essential and beneficial, it must not come at the expense of moral values. He stated: “The question that should concern the world today is not how far technology and artificial intelligence will advance, but rather who will regulate this advancement, on what system of values and ethics it will be based, and who will be held accountable. If ethics are absent, scientific progress itself becomes a source of danger to humanity.”

The Grand Imam also expressed his appreciation for the role played by the United Nations, under the leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres, in upholding international law, promoting justice, and confronting injustice. He affirmed Al-Azhar’s and the Muslim Council of Elders’ readiness to join any international effort aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence is used to serve humanity rather than control it.

For her part, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed expressed her appreciation for the Grans Imam’s role in promoting the values of fraternity, coexistence, and global peace and also conveyed the greetings of the UN Secretary-General. She noted that, in recent years, the United Nations has launched extensive discussions on the governance of artificial intelligence, placing human dignity and ethical values at the center of this technology. She added that these dialogues are now being formally launched from Al-Azhar before expanding to major religious and cultural institutions around the world.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General commended the Grand Imam’s vision, which underscores the importance of preserving human dignity in the digital age. She emphasized that technology must remain a tool that serves humanity, not a means of controlling it, and that its responsible use should contribute to enhancing people’s well-being, promoting justice, and narrowing disparities between nations.

She also expressed her appreciation for the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, received His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Chief Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders and Co-President of Religions for Peace, on the sidelines of the 2026 International Meeting of Religions for Peace, hosted by the Republic of Mauritius with wide participation from religious and intellectual leaders from around the world.

During the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Council’s appreciation for Mauritius as a global model of coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The meeting highlighted the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, as well as in building bridges of trust among peoples. Discussions also addressed ways to safeguard young people from hate speech, extremism, and digital misinformation, while emphasizing the Document on Human Fraternity as a global ethical reference. The two parties also exchanged views on various ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence and underscored the importance of developing ethical frameworks to ensure that its use serves humanity while safeguarding human dignity.

For his part, the President of the Republic of Mauritius praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity worldwide. He also commended the role played by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in advancing peace, dialogue, and coexistence. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and empowering young people.

The President of the Republic if Mauritius also received His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, and Co-President of Religions for Peace. The meeting explored ways to strengthen interfaith dialogue and expand cooperation in promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, while underscoring the vital role of religious leaders in fostering human fraternity and enhancing mutual understanding among peoples.

For his part, Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh emphasized the importance of uniting the efforts of religious leaders in addressing shared challenges and promoting a culture of mutual respect and human solidarity, thereby contributing to the spread of peace and strengthening coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the 2026 International Meeting of Religions for Peace reflects its ongoing global efforts to contribute to international discussions on the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges in ways that safeguard human dignity, reinforce identity, and promote the values of peace, justice, and human fraternity.