Tuka Al-Khanai, an assistant professor of computer engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi, is among 40 experts from around the world named to the United Nations’ Independent Commission on Scientific and Artificial Intelligence.
In a post about X, UN Secretary-General António Guterres explained the importance of a group of AI experts.
“The question is whether we will shape this transformation together or whether we will allow this transformation to shape us,” Guterres said on Wednesday.
“I have submitted for UNGA consideration a list of 40 experts to serve on a new independent international scientific panel on AI, to find common ground in cooperation based on science and solidarity.”
Guterres said he hopes the panel will become the world’s first fully independent global scientific body dedicated to closing the AI knowledge gap, assessing how AI technologies will impact economies and societies.
According to UAE state news agency Wam, the candidates were chosen after receiving nominations from around 2,600 people after a worldwide open call.
“AI is moving at the speed of light. No country can see the whole picture on its own,” Guterres said.
Ms. Al-Khanai earned her doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to her biography on New York University Abu Dhabi’s website.
It describes her as an “engineer, scientist, and researcher who works at the interface of humans and computing machines.”
Over the past decade, the UAE has sought to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons and become a leader in AI.
The country’s affinity for technology research has led to startups being founded, partnerships established, and investments from industry leaders such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI.
The UAE is also collaborating with the US to develop an AI campus in Abu Dhabi that will include 5GW of AI data center capacity.
It is also one of the first countries in the world to appoint Omar Al-Olama as Minister of AI.
