H.E.Dr. Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, attended the closing of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSC) Conference in its first edition in Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference was hosted by Egypt University of Informatics (EUI) in the Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital with the participation of over 800 experts specializing in data science and artificial intelligence. The conference is considered one of the largest in the field of data science and artificial intelligence worldwide.The conference covered various specialized technological topics, including generative artificial intelligence, natural language processing and text analysis, computer vision and machine learning, deep learning, data-driven innovation, artificial intelligence and machine learning operations, data engineering, cloud data, AI applications in medicine, data product development, prompt engineering, open data and using data for public good, enhanced analytics in marketing, and end-to-end solutions.The conference, organized by Egypt University of Informatics in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Ntervento company, and industry representatives including the main sponsor, Cyshield and the platinum sponsor, Huawei, took place from April 18th to 20th. The conference started online over two days and concluded its activities on the third day at EUI’s campus in the Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital.In his speech, Dr. Talaat emphasized Egypt's vast wealth of data accumulated from various digitization systems operating in the country for decades. He highlighted the challenge of managing this data, including crucial concepts and aspects related to data privacy, data exchange regulation, data usage, and production. He pointed out the cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and various relevant entities in implementing the first phase of the national artificial intelligence strategy. He mentioned the establishment of the Applied Innovation Center to develop technological solutions using AI in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, highlighting Egypt's progress 50 steps in the global AI rankings.He also mentioned that the second phase of the national artificial intelligence strategy will focus on the importance of data science, its management, artificial intelligence, expanding the base of specialized experts, and launching awareness and training courses for citizens in these fields. He stressed the importance of collaborative work as an information society to keep pace with global developments in AI technology and address potential risks, especially with the emergence of generative AI systems. He also addressed concerns about AI potentially replacing humans in jobs. He announced that the conference marks the beginning of a series of international events and scientific dialogues that will be held in the Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital on various topics related to communications and information technology.Prof. Reem Bahgat, President of Egypt University of Informatics, stated that the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Middle East and North Africa 24 (DSC MENA 24) conference aimed to unify efforts to provide a high-level event for the entire Middle East and North Africa region and the global AI community. This aligns with the increasing demand for extracting and reusing information from data, prompting companies to invest in building smart, efficient, and highly flexible systems. She emphasized the university's priority to host such conferences, bringing together researchers and specialized professionals to contribute to maximizing sustainable development in the New Republic.Eng. Alexander Link, founder of the Data Science Conference and CEO of DSC MENA 2024, expressed his delight at the great success of this edition of the conference, which has been held in most European countries in recent years. He confirmed that the conference will have regular extended activities in Egypt through fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt University of Informatics, and industry partners due to the promising opportunities in this vital sector in Egypt.Mr. Waleed Saad, Co-founder and CEO of Ntervento, emphasized the importance of the event in supporting the development of the technological sector in the region and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the exceptional opportunity the conference provides to build strong relationships with a select group of experts and professionals in the field of data science and artificial intelligence worldwide. He added that hosting the first edition of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence DSC MENA 2024 conference in Egypt represents a significant step in elevating its ambitions in the IT industry, reflecting its aspirations to lead the data and artificial intelligence revolution in the region.It is worth mentioning that Egypt University of Informatics is one of the first specialized universities in the Middle East and Africa in the fields of communications, information technology, and related fields. It was established by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to become a leading academic institution offering specialized educational programs to meet the labor market's need for professionals in the latest fields of information and communication technology. The university includes four faculties: Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Business Technology, and Digital Arts and Design, offering 16 specialized educational programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, electronics and communications engineering, business analysis, digital marketing, animation, user experience, and game design.Dr. Amr Talaat also visited the exhibition held on the sidelines of the conference, which included several companies showcasing the latest products and services developed using artificial intelligence and data science.The closing ceremony of the conference was attended by Prof. Reem Bahgat, President of Egypt University of informatics, Prof. Ahmed Hassan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Amr El-Masry Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Hoda Mokhtar, Dean of Faculty of Computing and information Sciences, Dr. Amani Eissa, Head of Business Development, Prof. Iman Saroit Chairman of the ICT sector at the Supreme Council of Universities, Prof. Ahmed Khattab, Director of the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI), Dr. Abdel Moneim El-Sharqawi, President of the National Academy for People with Disabilities (NAID), Prof. Haitham Hamza, Acting President of the Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC), and several leaders from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, as well as a selection of specialists in the fields of data and artificial intelligence
