Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the International Baku Summit of Ombudsmen

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the International Baku Summit of Ombudsmen on the topic "Human Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Risks and Responsibilities".

As reported by BAKU.WS, the message states:

"Dear summit participants,

I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the International Baku Summit of Ombudsmen "Human Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Risks and Responsibilities".

Holding this Summit dedicated to new global challenges in the field of human rights precisely on June 18 — Human Rights Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan — is of particular significance. This date marks the day when the National Leader of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev approved the first "State Program for the Protection of Human Rights" in our country and defined the protection of human rights as one of the main directions of state policy.

In the modern era, the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies is fundamentally changing the social, economic, legal and ethical agenda of humanity. This process, along with new opportunities, brings to the forefront new priorities in all areas, including in the field of human rights.

Our country considers placing technological progress at the service of the human factor as one of the fundamental principles of state policy. Thus, important steps are being taken in Azerbaijan aimed at the responsible and balanced application of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence. The legal acts, concepts and action plans adopted by us in the aforementioned area encourage the application of these technologies within the framework of safe, transparent and human rights-based principles, serve to support inclusive development and accelerate digital transformation.

The initiatives implemented within the framework of Azerbaijan's new digital architecture, the expansion of artificial intelligence application in public administration, information security and the development of national artificial intelligence infrastructure demonstrate our country's strategic approach to modern challenges.

It should be particularly noted that the recent 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, held in the city of Baku, served as an important indicator of our country's contribution to international cooperation and global dialogue on sustainable development, digital governance and the formation of a human-centered urban environment.

In this context, the "smart city" and "smart village" concepts being implemented in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation represent a successful development model in which artificial intelligence technologies, innovative solutions and principles of environmental sustainability are directed toward the well-being of people, the formation of a safe living environment and ensuring socio-economic reintegration.

These development trends also enhance the significance of institutional mechanisms and international cooperation in the field of human rights protection. From this perspective, national human rights institutions, including the institution of the ombudsman, play an important role in protecting human rights and freedoms, as well as in promoting legal culture in the era of new technological challenges.

I am confident that the International Baku Summit of Ombudsmen will make an important contribution to expanding international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in this area, and to promoting innovative governance mechanisms that are human-centered and rights-based.

Once again, I welcome you and wish you success in the work of the summit."