The meeting, which took place at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Ben M'sick, Casablanca, brought together experts from various fields to explore the potential of digital technologies in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. The event was organized by the Hassan II University, in collaboration with several international partners. The meeting aimed to discuss the latest developments in AI and digital humanities and their applications in the field of cultural heritage.
The meeting's program included several keynote lectures and presentations on topics such as the use of AI in cultural heritage preservation, digital humanities, and the impact of technology on the way we understand and interact with cultural heritage. Professor Sanaa Hasnaoui delivered the opening lecture, followed by presentations by Simona Corlan-Ioan, Ambassador of Romania to Morocco, and Geoff Rodger, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University London.
One of the key themes of the meeting was the use of digital technologies to make cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Several presentations showcased innovative projects that use AI, virtual reality, and other digital tools to preserve and promote cultural heritage. For example, a presentation by Osman Benmansour introduced a mobile game that uses AI to teach users about Moroccan culture and history.
Another important theme of the meeting was the need to ensure that digital technologies are used in a way that respects and promotes cultural diversity and inclusivity. Participants emphasized the importance of involving local communities and stakeholders in the development of digital projects and ensuring that they are accessible and beneficial to all.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges and risks associated with the use of digital technologies in cultural heritage preservation, such as data protection, intellectual property rights, and the potential for cultural homogenization. Participants stressed the need for a nuanced and multidisciplinary approach to the use of digital technologies in this field.
The event provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise and to explore new ways of collaborating and working together to promote cultural heritage in the digital age. The meeting concluded with a call for greater investment in digital technologies and for more support for initiatives that promote cultural heritage and digital humanities.
The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of new strategies and policies for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in Morocco and beyond. The event demonstrated the potential of digital technologies to transform the way we understand and interact with cultural heritage and highlighted the need for continued innovation and collaboration in this field.
Key points
- The meeting explored the potential of AI and digital humanities in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
- The event highlighted the importance of involving local communities and stakeholders in the development of digital projects.
- The meeting emphasized the need to address the challenges and risks associated with the use of digital technologies in cultural heritage preservation.
