Tehran – Amid the rapidly changing technological landscape, the Iranian capital has played host to this week’s pivotal event.
The conference, held from May 19-20, 2025, brought together key policymakers from the Islamic world to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on global leadership in science and technology.
At the end of the meeting, a five-page statement was adopted by the consensus of Islamic countries, a fundamental document on AI.
With the participation of science and technology ministers from countries including Iran, Tunisia, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Brunei Darsalaram, Kazakhstan and Turkey, the conference focused on using AI as a change force for social progress and economic prosperity.
During a series of important deliberations, the Minister emphasized the urgency for cooperation and innovation in the OIC Member States to ensure that the Islamic Zone remains behind in the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.
At the end of the meeting, the Minister of OIC-15 approved the important document, the Tehran AI Declaration, and marked an important step in coordinating Islamic countries in shaping a collective AI strategy that reflects its values and aspirations.
New role in the fourth industrial revolution
Iran’s Minister of Science Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf has issued a compelling statement calling AI “the deepest technical capabilities that shape the world today.”
He emphasized that the Islamic world must act decisively to avoid being sidelined in this new era due to its transformational capabilities spanning healthcare, agriculture, energy and more industries.
“The world is undergoing significant changes under the influence of artificial intelligence,” says Simaei Sarraf. “If we don’t act now, our country will face serious technical and economic challenges in the coming decades.”
The Minister’s statement coincided with wider concerns about widening digital disparities.
“The International Monetary Fund predicts that AI could increase global GDP by up to 30% per year between 2025 and 2030.
But profits are not distributed equally,” he warned.
“North America and China have gained a lot from AI, but emerging economies in the southern world, including many of our regions, face the risk of being left behind.”
The Tehran Declaration, finalized at the end of the meeting, underscores the importance of strategic AI education, workforce development and collaborative research.
As part of the seven core pillars of the declaration, the Minister highlighted the need for improved AI infrastructure, data sharing and joint ventures to foster a sustainable and comprehensive AI ecosystem across OIC Member States.
Calling for ethics in the language of power that drives AI
The discussion on AI ethics was particularly moving, with a strong comment made by Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abd Kadir warning that “AI is not just another tool.”
It is emerging as a new language of power. If we do not learn this language in our own words, we may be subject to a definition that does not reflect our values. ”
The statement resonated deeply with attendees who reflected the ethical and moral implications of AI in a world where technology can be used for both progress and destruction.
The Malaysian minister took a critical stance towards Israel’s use of AI in military operations and took the opportunity of conference to oppose unidentified technical powers carried out by states with sophisticated AI systems.
“AI is used not for progress, it is used for precise war, surveillance and destruction. AI must serve humanity rather than for the dark side of power.”
Hossein Simaei Sarraf also highlighted the ethical aspects of AI. He expressed serious concern about misuse in modern conflict. “The ongoing tragedy in Gaza underscores the need for a robust ethical framework for AI.
As reported in Gaza, the use of AI to target civilians represents a serious violation of international law and human dignity. “He called on Islamic countries to lead the way in developing AI systems based on human rights and ethical principles.
We shared our commitment to collaboration and progress
The Tehran Conference also highlighted the need for unity within the Islamic world as AI will become an important driver of the economy in the future. Professor
Farhad Yazdandoust, head of Iran’s MSRT International Science Cooperation Centre (CISC), reflects the importance of this moment.
“This document, the Tehran Declaration, is the first of its kind among Islamic countries,” he said. “Being a participant in the AI revolution, as well as actively shaping that course, is a testament to the will of our nation’s collective.”
Yazdandoust, who spent several months preparing the foundations of the Landmark Conference with colleagues at CISC, the international policy-making body at MSRT, noted that the declaration’s emphasis on collaborative research, technology transfer and knowledge sharing is important in achieving the full potential for AI’s social benefits.
“In an increasingly fragmented world, this consensus between Islamic countries is a powerful signal that despite political differences, we can unite around a common goal of promoting innovation and inclusion.”
The declaration pillars on AI education, workforce development, and research have been identified as important to close digital disparities.
Experts emphasized that without access to AI education and infrastructure, many countries in the Islamic world will struggle to accommodate global progress.
As part of the initiative, the OIC-15 countries have pledged to develop academic programs focused on AI, establishing a Joint AI Research Centre to provide opportunities for AI training to vulnerable groups and promote collaboration.
Building AI Ready Ecosystems for the future
One of the most ambitious elements of the Tehran Declaration is its focus on strengthening the region’s AI infrastructure and human resource mobility.
The Minister agreed to establish cross-border platforms for sharing computing resources, such as high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and AI supercomputing hubs.
“This is important to ensure that the country is not left behind in the race to develop and deploy AI technology,” explained Simaei Sarraf.
The declaration also called for the creation of an inter-Islamic network of young scientists and innovators aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of AI leaders.
This initiative reflects a common perception of the role youth and women play in shaping the future of science and technology in the Islamic world.
As Mohamad Reza’s First Vice President noted, “Youth and women represent unprecedented opportunities for innovation in the Islamic world.
Their possibilities must be exploited to ensure that the region thrives in this new age of technology. ”
Looking ahead: AI’s unified Islamic war
There was one thing that stood out above all else at Tehran Summit. This is a repeated warning from senior officials that the Islamic Zone should not fall behind in development.
“People who have pioneered innovations in AI, quantum computing, robotics, space technology, cognitive science and biotechnology, especially will gain the strategic advantages to lead the future,” said Mondher Belaid, Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Science and Research.
He added: “As a country bound by the shared values and membership of OICs, we must strive to establish solid, reliable, sustainable partnerships and work together for mutual benefit.”
As the meeting approached its conclusion, Ali Akbar Salehi, former head of Iran’s atomic energy organization, emphasized that Islamic countries should not simply adapt to the future shaped by AI.
“We shouldn’t let AI shape the future, we must build the future,” he said.
Salehi proposed the establishment of a university network between Islamic countries aimed at promoting long-term education programs and collaborative research initiatives focusing on AI, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.
Salehi’s passionate call for cooperation echoed throughout the meeting.
“Ignoring AI is not just a missed opportunity. It leads to a modern form of slavery,” he warned. “We are at a crossroads. It’s time for cooperation, not competition. If we don’t act today, tomorrow will be too late.”
The Tehran Declaration focuses on unity, ethical responsibility and innovative collaboration, marking the turning point of global dialogue on AI.
The OIC-15 nation is poised to not only participate in the AI revolution, but also shaped to fit the values and aspirations of the Islamic world.
As AI continues to redefine the global order, the decisions made at this groundbreaking conference will be reflected in future generations.