H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK, Director General of SESRIC, addressed the Workshop on “Family Dynamics, Social Transformations Challenges and AI” held in a hybrid format in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the College of Social Sciences at the International University of Rabat. The main objective of the workshop was to gather experts, academics, and policy-makers from diverse backgrounds to explore the multiple aspects, configurations, trajectories and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Islamic World’s family dynamics.

The opening ceremony of the workshop consisted of remarks delivered by H.E. Mrs. Aouatif HAYAR, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Noureddine MOUADDIB, President of the International University of Rabat, H.E. Dr. Salim M. ALMALIK, Director General of ICESCO, along with H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK.

Starting her remarks by condemning the brutal attacks of Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians in Gaza and all over Palestine, H.E. SELÇUK thanked the organisers for conducting such a meaningful activity, highlighting the importance of family in Islam as the fundamental building block of society.

In her speech, H.E. SELÇUK shared valuable insights underscoring the significant transformations in family dynamics, driven by various factors rooted in technological advancements, societal changes, and evolving cultural norms.

In addition, she briefed the audience on SESRIC’s efforts in raising further awareness on the challenges faced by the OIC Countries in advancing family values. This is done through numerous capacity building activities as well as the preparation of various research outputs such as the OIC Strategy for the Empowerment of Marriage and Family Institution.

“SESRIC has also made critical contributions on the subject by preparing the periodic report on ‘Safeguarding Family Values and the Institution of Marriage in OIC countries’, to serve as a technical background report for the relevant Ministerial Fora” she added.

The two-day workshop consisted of three sessions: (i) Assessment of family configurations, trajectories, and dynamics; (ii) Family facing the artificial intelligence revolution; and (iii) Discussions and adoption of recommendations pertaining to the organizational and operational modalities of ICESCO's Network of Experts in Social and Human Sciences.