Faith and Technology Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Shape Ethical Future of Artificial Intelligence
A landmark roundtable in Kenya brings together faith leaders, technologists and policymakers to ensure AI development reflects African values, safeguards youth and promotes human dignity across the continent.
Senior faith leaders, technology pioneers, policymakers and scholars from across Africa and beyond gathered in Nairobi this week for the third regional roundtable of the Faith-AI Covenant, an ambitious global initiative dedicated to anchoring the development of artificial intelligence within a framework of profound human values and ethical consideration.
The convening brought together representatives of major Christian, Muslim and interfaith networks, alongside African technology organisations, academics and civil society experts. The discussions centred upon matters of profound consequence for a continent where the median age remains under 20 and mobile connectivity has transformed access to information and digital engagement. Participants examined how artificial intelligence might reinforce social cohesion rather than accelerate division, and how African languages, communal ethics and local governance structures can be meaningfully reflected in systems largely developed elsewhere.
The Faith-AI Covenant, established by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities in partnership with Precognition, places faith leaders, technologists and policymakers in direct dialogue as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how people seek knowledge, guidance and meaning. The initiative draws upon the United Arab Emirates’ distinctive model of pairing ambitious technological innovation with a sustained commitment to religious moderation, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Co-chaired by Dana Humaid, Chief Executive of the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, and Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, Chief Executive of Precognition, the roundtable examined the risks posed by generative tools, the mechanisms of algorithmic amplification and the essential role of human oversight in African contexts. Participants also engaged with Kenya’s National AI Strategy, considering how ethical principles and values can be embedded within technological systems designed for African communities.
The discussions centred upon two fundamental themes. The first explored how interactive digital environments influence young people’s identity and moral development, including the risk of artificial intelligence being exploited to facilitate radicalisation. Faith leaders, platform developers and civil society organisations considered the moral, technical and pastoral interventions required to address these challenges.
The second session focused upon artificial intelligence’s impact upon children’s growth and emotional wellbeing, exploring the ethical, technical and faith-based safeguards necessary to ensure that educational artificial intelligence supports healthy development. Participants emphasised the shared responsibility of faith communities, educators, technology developers and civil society in implementing these protections.
Dana Humaid remarked upon the importance of the Emirati example in guiding the Covenant’s vision, noting that the United Arab Emirates has demonstrated that technological leadership and commitment to religious moderation can advance together successfully. He emphasised that African faith leaders and technologists must establish the same balance, ensuring that artificial intelligence serves young people seeking belonging and personal development rather than those who would exploit division.
Baroness Shields highlighted that artificial intelligence is advancing with unprecedented speed, reshaping how humanity understands itself and our place in the world. She stressed that the Covenant’s purpose is not to impede innovation, but to ensure it remains guided by conscience and that African voices define the values these systems carry.
The Nairobi meeting builds upon gatherings in New York and Paris, with further convenings planned across Asia before the final convening takes place in Abu Dhabi in 2027.
Source: WAM