Islamic Minister Urges Youth Empowerment to Harness Artificial Intelligence Potential

Equipping the younger generation with a blend of technical skills and ethical grounding is the only way to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, according to the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. Speaking at an international youth conference in Malaysia, Minister Shaheem described youth capacity building as a critical investment in the future. He emphasized that providing young people with the necessary knowledge and ethics is essential to navigating the challenges of the digital revolution and integrating AI into society responsibly. The Minister's address took place during a diplomatic visit to Malaysia, where he is also participating in the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2026. During his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for their organization of the event. Minister Shaheem also commended the leadership of Saudi Arabia, specifically King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their commitment to serving the global Muslim community and their efforts to promote peace, justice, and moderation. The International Summit of Religious Leaders has become a significant global gathering, attracting over 1,500 leaders from 31 countries. The summit's agenda is focused on four strategic pillars: strengthening social cohesion and mutual respect, empowering youth through education and leadership, developing practical solutions for modern youth-centric challenges, and defining the role of religious scholars in guiding the next generation.