President Aliyev: Azerbaijan taking major steps towards responsible AI development

Azerbaijan is taking significant steps to ensure the responsible and balanced application of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies, President Ilham Aliyev said in a message to participants of the International Baku Ombudsmen Summit on “Human Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Risks and Responsibilities.”

In his address, the head of state stressed that the rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the global social, economic, legal and ethical landscape, creating both new opportunities and challenges, particularly in the field of human rights, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

“Our country regards ensuring that technological progress serves human welfare as one of the fundamental principles of state policy,” President Aliyev said.

“In this regard, Azerbaijan is taking significant steps toward the responsible and balanced application of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence,” he added, noting that legal acts, concepts and action plans adopted by the country promote the use of these technologies within a framework based on security, transparency and respect for human rights.

The president highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to advance digital transformation, expand AI applications in public administration and strengthen information security and national AI infrastructure.

“The initiatives being implemented as part of Azerbaijan’s new digital architecture, the expansion of artificial intelligence applications in public administration, and the development of information security and national AI infrastructure demonstrate our country’s strategic approach to contemporary challenges,” he said.

President Aliyev also pointed to the role of technology-driven development projects in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, describing the “smart city” and “smart village” concepts as successful models that combine artificial intelligence, innovation and environmental sustainability.

According to the president, these initiatives are aimed at “improving human well-being, creating a safe living environment, and ensuring socio-economic reintegration.”

The head of state emphasised that technological progress must be accompanied by robust human rights safeguards and stronger international cooperation.

“These development trends also increase the importance of institutional mechanisms and international cooperation in the field of human rights protection,” President Aliyev said, adding that national human rights institutions, including ombudsman offices, play a vital role in protecting rights and freedoms in an era of rapid technological change.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the summit, the Azerbaijani leader said the event would contribute to expanding international cooperation and the exchange of best practices, while promoting “human-centered and law-based innovative governance mechanisms.”

The International Baku Ombudsmen Summit is being held on June 18, marked in Azerbaijan as Human Rights Day, and is focused on the opportunities, risks and responsibilities arising from the growing use of artificial intelligence.