Azerbaijan's top religious official warns of ethical risks of AI at Cairo conference

Rapid technological change, particularly the expansion of artificial intelligence, risks deepening inequality unless guided by strong ethical values rooted in justice, compassion, and human dignity, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations of Azerbaijan, Ramin Mammadov, said.

Mammadov took part in the 36th international conference titled “Professions in Islam: our ethics in the age of artificial intelligence, its impact and future,” held on January 19–20, which featured an opening ceremony attended by prominent religious figures and government officials from across the Islamic world, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Academic sessions focused on professional culture in different civilisations, professional ethics in the modern era, and the role of moral values in shaping the future.

Addressing participants, Mammadov highlighted that shared values formed over centuries between Azerbaijan and Egypt play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations, noting that effective political dialogue between the two heads of state defines the direction of cooperation.

“In Azerbaijan, which has a secular state structure, the rights of all religious communities are protected, and their cultural and religious heritage is supported at the state level. While AI and digital technologies are shaping the professions of the future, without ethical foundations, this process can deepen inequality. Ethical values emphasising justice, compassion, and human dignity remain the key criteria for ensuring that innovation serves humanity,” Mammadov stated.

By Jeyhun Aghazada