By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The Interfaith Alliance for
Safer Communities (IAFSC), in partnership with Precognition, has convened the
third edition of the Faith-AI Covenant roundtables in Nairobi, bringing
together senior faith leaders from across Africa, technology companies, policymakers,
academics and civil society experts to examine the impact of artificial
intelligence (AI) on children and young people.
The discussions focused on
the risks and opportunities associated with AI, including the exploitation of
young people’s vulnerabilities by extremists, the amplification of grievances
through localised translation, and the potential effects of AI-powered educational
tools on child development.
Participants emphasised the
need for ethical, technical and faith-based safeguards to ensure that AI
technologies are developed and used responsibly, particularly where children
and young people are concerned.
According to IAFSC, the
Nairobi roundtable built on discussions held in New York and Paris as part of
the Faith-AI Covenant initiative.
While the New York meeting
raised foundational moral questions around human dignity, truth,
accountability, vulnerability and the irreplaceable role of the human person,
the Paris roundtable focused on resilience, AI literacy, institutional
preparedness and practical collaboration.
The Nairobi meeting took the
discussions further by examining what these principles mean for the next
generation.
“There are few better places
to ask that question,” the alliance said, noting that Africa’s median age is
under 20 and that mobile connectivity has leapfrogged older infrastructure.
“The choices made about AI
today will shape how an entire generation learns, connects and grows,” it
added.
Participants also examined
the role of faith communities in shaping young people’s identities, values and
decision-making.
IAFSC highlighted the
contribution of faith communities through moral frameworks, intergenerational
relationships and trusted spaces where young people develop identity, purpose
and discernment.
The roundtable concluded
with plans for further convenings in Asia ahead of the launch of the Faith-AI
Covenant in Abu Dhabi.
IAFSC expressed appreciation
to participants for their contributions and acknowledged the support of
Arigatou International GNRC and the Future of Life Institute, alongside faith
networks, technology developers, universities and civil society organisations
from across Africa.
The initiative seeks to
advance dialogue and collaboration among faith leaders, technology developers
and other stakeholders on the responsible development and use of AI, with
particular attention to protecting children and young people.
