Meeting of Religious Leaders on Artificial Intelligence ( Communique)

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COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A CONSULTATION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS HELD FROM NOVEMBER 19TH –21ST NOVEMBER, 2024, AT REIZ CONTINENTAL HOTEL, ABUJA

Under the aegis of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), a select leadership of the Christian and Muslim leaders convened from November 19th – 21st November, 2024, at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, for a pivotal consultation on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for religious practices and by extension the Nigerian communities. This landmark meeting explored AI’s impact on faith, community development, and societal well-being, emphasising the critical role of religious leaders in guiding their communities through the ever changing cum complex technological era.

1. Preamble

Given the profound influence of churches and mosques in Nigerian public and community life, this consultation aimed to:
• Enhance understanding of AI and its implications to faith and society.
• Equip religious leaders to engage meaningfully in AI-related policies and regulations.
• Promote collaboration between faith communities and policymakers for ethical and inclusive AI adoption.
Presentations and Deliberations
Participants received expert insights on:
1. The State of AI Globally: The transformative role of AI across industries and communities.
2. The Impact of AI on Human Well-Being and Religion: Ethical, social, and spiritual considerations of AI adoption.

Observations

1. AI is now an integral part of daily life, affecting sectors such as religion, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
2. AI is value-neutral; its impact depends on its governance and application.
3. Faith communities in Nigeria lack sufficient knowledge and engagement with AI, and religious leaders are underrepresented in AI policy discussions.
4. AI presents both opportunities and challenges for societal and spiritual well-being.
5. Success stories of AI adoption within religious communities are valuable and should be shared regularly to motivate and inspire others.
6. Nigeria and indeed Africa possess unique strengths that must be recognised and leveraged in the adoption of AI.
7. Religious leaders could explore and/or study, as well as deepen their understanding of their faith’s doctrines and theology to ensure technology does not supplant the role of God in society.
Recommendations
1. Awareness and Capacity Building: Faith communities should prioritise training, reskilling, and education to harness AI’s benefits responsibly.
2. Policy Engagement: Religious leaders must actively engage with the government to shape policies and regulations that reflect ethical AI practices. Advocacy is needed to ensure government support for providing adequate resources, such as materials for computerized examinations in schools.
3. Framework for Responsible AI: Offices of Responsible AI should be established at national, regional, and local levels to monitor AI’s development and ensure its alignment with societal values.
4. Advocacy and Education: Religious leaders should advocate for AI literacy within their communities and highlight its potential for positive transformation.
5. Youth Empowerment: Faith communities should emphasize hard work, values, and integrity to guide young people as they navigate the digital age.
6. Knowledge Sharing: Platforms for sharing success stories of AI adoption within religious communities should be established and incorporated into regular forums or meetings.
Conclusion
The consultation affirmed that faith leaders have a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s AI journey in Africa, especially Nigeria. By fostering awareness, ethical governance, and collaboration with policymakers, religious communities can ensure that AI serves as a tool for societal good, while upholding spiritual values.
On a final note, both the CCN and JNI are immensely grateful to the sponsors and all participants, for making the grand breaking event momentous.

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Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu​​​Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara
Secretary-General, JNI​​​​General-Secretary, CCN