Geneva, 11 Jun (AIM) – The Mozambican Minister of Labor, Ivete Alane, calls for responsible and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that technological advancement will only be beneficial if it serves to create of decent jobs, social justice, and the reduction of inequalities.
According to the minister, speaking at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, taking place in Geneva, promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), AI represents an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate productivity, stimulate innovation, and create new economic opportunities, but warned of the risks of unregulated adoption.
“AI can open new paths for productivity, innovation, education, public administration, and the creation of new job opportunities. But it can also deepen inequalities, exclude the most vulnerable, weaken rights, and widen the gap between countries, sectors, generations, and territories”, she said.
The minister also said that the main issue lies not in the capabilities of the technology, but in how it will be used.
“Therefore, the essential question is not only what technology can do. AI must serve the human person, dignified work, social justice, inclusion, and peace.”
Alane also highlighted the ongoing work on the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the National Data Governance Policy, explaining that “Mozambique has obtained approval to implement its first Regulatory Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence, a platform that will allow the testing of technological solutions in a regulated and secure environment.”
She also warned that technological innovation should not compromise workers’ rights, expressing concern about the growth of work on digital platforms.
“The digital transition should create opportunities, not new forms of exclusion. We want to make AI not a threat to work, but a bridge to more dignity, more opportunities and more sustainable development”, she said.
She also reaffirmed Mozambique’s commitment to a human-centered approach, advocating for a technological transformation capable of “increasing capabilities, protecting rights, promoting decent employment, reducing inequalities and strengthening social cohesion.”
Am/
