ICIL-Africa 2024 - 14 October 2024

Morning Keynote Session – Chairperson: Ms. Dina Youssef

Small Theater - 11:00am – 12:00pm

Meet the Keynote Session Chairperson

Head of Library Sector, Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Egypt Ms. Dina Youssef is the Head of Library Sector at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt as well as a certified IFLA trainer and associate leader. Dina received her BA in Accounting from the University of Alexandria. She possesses three diplomas; in Commerce, German Language and Foreign Coordination. Dina joined the books and Publishing Committee at the Ministry of Culture in Egypt from 2015 to 2017. Currently she is an active member at the International Advisory Board at UNESCO Memory of the World project, the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information (AFLI), as well as a member at the Egyptian Library Association.

She has also served as a member at IFLA Section for Africa Region for 2 terms where she contributed actively in the section’s activities and promotion. Dina began her career in 1994 at a multinational company for Mechanical Engineering (Keller Group).

In 2007, Dina has joined the Library of Alexandria where she received professional technical library training. Dina has a wealth of experience in international relations. Her international exposure began at a young age and has enabled her to deal and communicate easily with multicultural population.

Title of the 1st Keynote Presentation

“Self-learning web platform for information and media literacy" governed by Goethe Institute in Cairo (Download the presentation)

Presenter: Prof. Sherif Shaheen, Dean of college of Special education – Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST) & Chairman of the board of the Egyptian Society for libraries, information and Archives, Egypt.

Abstract

The Interactive E-Learning Platform for Self-Guided Information and Media Literacy, developed by the Goethe Institute Library Management, aims to enhance users’ competencies in effectively accessing, evaluating, and utilizing information. This initiative, led by Prof. Sherif Kamel Shaheen, Professor of Library and Information Science at Cairo University, focuses on empowering learners with essential skills to navigate the evolving digital and media landscape.

The platform is structured around five core information literacy skills:

            1.         Determining the Need for Information – Identifying research needs, differentiating between data, information, and knowledge, and utilizing essential sources.

            2.         Searching and Accessing Information – Implementing advanced search strategies, leveraging library services, and managing citations.

            3.         Organizing Information and Its Sources – Understanding information organization, differentiating between primary and secondary sources, and using bibliographic tools.

            4.         Evaluating the Quality of Information – Assessing credibility, recognizing bias, and utilizing peer-reviewed sources and impact metrics.

            5.         Optimal Use of Information – Ensuring ethical and legal use of information, preventing plagiarism, and applying citation standards.

The project faced initial challenges in defining goals, forming specialized teams, and segmenting tasks. Despite these obstacles, the platform was successfully launched with a structured framework, including an organizational model for self-learning in both information and media literacy. Continuous monitoring of user engagement and content relevance remains a priority.

The platform stands as a pioneering initiative to bridge knowledge gaps and promote independent learning. Future developments will focus on expanding resources, refining user experience, and integrating innovative learning technologies to enhance digital and media literacy competencies.

Meet the Keynote Speaker:

Prof. Sherif has held several professional tasks. He is now the Chairman of the board of the Egyptian Society for libraries, information and Archives Octobers 2023 till now, for 5 years. He is the Chairman of the jury for the Best Arab Publisher Award, Cairo International Book Fair, in its 54th session - January 2023 He is also the Supervisor of the Department of Heritage and Manuscripts - Institute of Arab Research and Studies - League of Arab States A Member of the Ministerial Committee for Arabic Plagiarism - October 2022 to date. A Member of the Academic Excellence delegation to visit a number of libraries and heritage research centers in Germany (May 8-14, 2022 AD) with the support of DAAD.

He is the Chairman of the Memory of the World Committee in Egypt of the National Commission for UNESCO, October 2021-present. A Member of the Book and Publication Committee of the Supreme Council of Culture - Egyptian Ministry of Culture - from September 2021 until now.
He is the Chairman of the Memory of the World Program Committee of the Communications and Information Technology Committee of the National Committee for UNESCO - Egypt. An Arbitrator of the Egyptian Publishers Association Award for the Best Publisher at the Cairo International Book Fair (June 2021). A member of a working group to prepare an electronic platform for self-education of knowledge and information awareness skills for the Egyptian and Arab community with the support, organization and sponsorship of the German Goethe Institute in Cairo.
A Member of the National Projects Committee at the Supreme Council of Universities for the construction of new private universities (King Salman University - Al-Jalala University - New Al-Alamein University....) in order to design programs for the first university level for a bachelor's degree in libraries, information management systems, electronic archiving, design and establishment New university libraries.

The Secretary of the Permanent Scientific Committee for the Promotion of Professor and Assistant Professor in the Fields of Documents and Libraries - Supreme Council of Universities - Session 13 (October 2019 - October 2022).
He has been awarded several awards, some of which are Sharjah Prize for Library Literature (1st place) and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Award for Scientific Supervision for the best doctoral dissertation in the Arab world as well as Arab Union and Naseej Academy Award for Pioneers of Excellence in Scientific Research.

Afro-Arabic AI: Bridging Technology and Culture (Download the presentation)

Presenter 

Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed, Canada Research Chair in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning, and Associate Professor in the School of Information and Department of Linguistics, and Computer Science, University of British Columbia.

Abstract

In this keynote, we introduce the concept of “Afro-Arabic AI,” a transformative framework that aligns artificial intelligence with the rich cultural landscapes of Africa and the Arab world. By examining how AI can be thoughtfully tailored to reflect the diverse socio-cultural dynamics across these regions, we will explore the unique opportunities and challenges involved--from linguistic diversity and ethical considerations to fostering localized innovation. Through a series of compelling case studies and emerging research, we will illustrate how culturally aligned AI solutions can drive meaningful progress. Our goal is to inspire a forward-thinking approach to AI development that not only meets technological needs but also empowers and honors the cultural identities within Afro-Arabic societies.

Meet the keynote Speaker

Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed is a Canada Research Chair in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning and serves as an Associate Professor at The University of British Columbia and MBZUAI.

His research focuses on large language models with broad applications in archives, health, education, social networking safety, information management, and financial services. Abdul-Mageed is the director of the UBC Deep Learning & NLP Group, co-director of the AI and archives “I Trust AI” partnership, and co-lead of the “Ensuring Full Literacy” partnership.

His work has been supported by leading organizations, including Google, AMD, Amazon, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. His research has been featured in global venues such as Nature, MIT Technology Review, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and EuroNews.

Recordings and Media Coverage:

Watch the Recording 

Download the Zoom Recording (Will be available Soon)

Session Photos