Representing the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), Dr. Ali Al Hajajeh, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Governance, Policies and Risk Management Committee, participated in the Regional Workshop on “Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance in Arab Countries,” held in Manama, Bahrain, from 16–17 September 2026
The workshop aimed to support governments, national human rights institutions, private-sector representatives, and relevant regional stakeholders in strengthening AI governance across Arab countries. It also sought to raise awareness of global efforts in AI governance, facilitate the exchange of practical experiences and lessons learned, and advance the implementation of human rights-based AI governance.
Over the course of two days, the workshop focused on the need to establish sustainable and responsible governance of artificial intelligence and examined the impact of AI technologies on decision-making processes. Discussions emphasized the importance of identifying and assessing AI-related risks and their potential impacts, as well as developing practical solutions and measures to mitigate those risks. Participants also discussed the potential need to review and develop relevant legislation in response to the rapid advancement and expanding use of AI across different sectors.
The workshop concluded with a number of recommendations, most notably the need to move from the governance of documents to the governance of applications, translate AI-related challenges into practical measures on the ground, and further develop institutional capacities and capabilities to mitigate the potential risks and adverse impacts associated with artificial intelligence.
Discussions also addressed the importance of developing AI governance frameworks grounded in human rights principles and international best practices, particularly with regard to privacy, non-discrimination, transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression. The workshop featured contributions from experts and specialists from various countries around the world.
NCHR’s participation reflects its commitment to keeping pace with rapid technological developments and their implications for human rights, while strengthening the role of national human rights institutions in developing the policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks necessary to ensure that respect for and protection of human rights remain at the heart of the development and use of artificial intelligence.
The workshop was organized by the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, hosted by the National Institution for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in cooperation with the League of Arab States and in partnership with the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization.
