A seminar was held at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, titled "Artificial Intelligence: Security Challenges and Development Opportunities." The discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor. Dr. Hala El-Rashidi, Director of the Center for Political Studies and Research, and featured contributions from Air Force Major General Dr. Hesham El-Halabi, advisor at the Military Academy for Postgraduate Studies, and Professor. Dr. Rabab El-Sherif, Dean of the Graduate School of Nanotechnology at Cairo University. The seminar examined the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in both security and development, sparking an in-depth dialogue about the potential impacts of this technology on societies and nations.

In his speech, Air Force Major General Dr. Hesham El-Halabi addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on modern warfare and national security. He highlighted that the increasing use of unmanned systems, such as autonomous aircraft and vessels, has become a hallmark of modern militaries due to their capability to execute complex tasks without direct human intervention. These systems are characterized by high efficiency and reduced cost, making their use highly attractive. However, the challenge lies in their autonomy and ability to make critical decisions, raising concerns about control and potential errors that could result from this significant challenge. General El-Halabi added that artificial intelligence has redefined traditional deterrence concepts, allowing intelligent systems to make rapid decisions, thereby enhancing military forces’ ability to carry out complex operations swiftly and effectively. This advancement makes warfare more dynamic and introduces an element of unpredictability. Nevertheless, as reliance on these systems grows, the question arises as to how to handle potential errors in autonomous decision-making, especially if these errors could lead to significant human or material losses. Another challenge discussed by General El-Halabi was the role of artificial intelligence in bolstering cyber-attack capabilities. This technology enables attackers to analyze and breach advanced information systems, potentially targeting infrastructure such as energy grids, transportation, and communications. Such attacks could disrupt daily life and lead to complete paralysis in critical sectors. He noted that these threats are no longer limited to states but have expanded to include terrorist groups that might leverage commercially available technology to achieve their objectives, complicating counter-terrorism efforts and global security management. He emphasized that with the advancement of artificial intelligence, an arms race among major powers seeking to develop more sophisticated systems is intensifying, increasing global tensions. This technological race poses new challenges to global stability and necessitates new security measures and defensive policies aligned with rapid technological developments.

Conversely, Dr. Rabab El-Sherif, Dean of the Graduate School of Nanotechnology at Cairo University, outlined the significant benefits that artificial intelligence can offer to support development and improve societal well-being. She began by noting that artificial intelligence is not solely confined to military applications but acts as a primary catalyst for achieving developmental goals, including eradicating poverty and enhancing healthcare and education. This perspective highlights the dual nature of artificial intelligence as a tool that, while powerful, requires careful management to ensure positive outcomes. She explained that artificial intelligence could greatly improve the efficiency of various sectors, such as agriculture, by analyzing climatic and soil data to provide recommendations that enhance productivity and reduce waste. This step is crucial for achieving food security and promoting environmental sustainability, especially in the face of increasing global climate challenges. In the field of healthcare, Dr. El-Sherif emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing diagnostic and treatment processes. She affirmed that employing artificial intelligence to analyze vast medical data sets helps identify new disease patterns and develop effective treatments more rapidly. This leads to better quality health services and increased hospital efficiency, improving the ability of healthcare systems to respond to pandemics and other urgent health challenges. She also focused on the role of artificial intelligence in education. She pointed out that modern technology enables the design of tailored educational curricula that cater to individual student needs, making learning more effective and interactive. These technologies deepen students’ understanding of concepts and help develop skills that align with the needs of the modern job market, thereby enhancing their employability and reducing unemployment rates. She addressed the significant and potentially negative economic impacts that could arise from the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, noting that this shift may radically alter the labor market. While automation and artificial intelligence offer benefits such as increased productivity and cost reduction, they could lead to the contraction of traditional jobs dependent on manual or routine tasks. However, this transformation also creates new job opportunities that require advanced skills in areas like programming, analysis, and critical thinking, highlighting the need for workforce skill development aligned with future market needs. To adapt to this change, Dr.Rabab stressed the importance of government investment in comprehensive training and qualification programs aimed at supporting workers and equipping them with the necessary skills to adapt to technological advances. These programs should include training in the use of advanced technology and the development of analytical and intellectual capabilities, ensuring that workers are ready to thrive in modern work environments increasingly based on artificial intelligence. She pointed out that such programs are not merely a preventive measure but a strategic necessity for sustaining economic development and preventing negative consequences like rising unemployment rates. This approach turns the challenges of automation into opportunities by preparing individuals to strike a balance between modern technology use and ensuring sustainable job creation that meets evolving market demands.

In conclusion, the seminar highlighted that artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword, offering immense potential for development and progress, while simultaneously requiring careful regulation to ensure optimal benefits and mitigate risks. Both General El-Halabi and Dr. El-Sherif emphasized this. General El-Halabi concluded his speech by stressing the importance of cautious adoption of technology in the military domain, noting that losing control over intelligent systems could jeopardize international security and escalate arms races. On the other hand, Dr. El-Sherif closed by emphasizing the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence for development and societal well-being, underscoring the role of government policies in implementing training and qualification programs to support the workforce and ensure continued development.

The key takeaway from this fruitful seminar is that nations should establish clear regulatory policies and laws for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, while promoting international cooperation to address security challenges and protect societies from potential labor market impacts. The importance of research and development was highlighted to update legal and ethical frameworks that keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that artificial intelligence serves as a force for human prosperity and societal advancement.