Banha, Egypt – 14 September 2024
Fathi M. A. Ahmed delivered a keynote speech at the First Translation Professionals' Meeting, held in Banha, Egypt. His presentation, titled "Translation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Solutions," addressed the significant impact of AI on the translation industry. The event served as a crucial platform for exploring how advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping translation practices.

Ahmed’s keynote, "Tensions between the Use of Traditional Methods and AI-Supported Methods in Translation at International Organizations," offered an in-depth analysis of the shifting landscape for translators. He examined the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of AI technologies, particularly within the context of prestigious international organizations such as the United Nations. His insights highlighted the evolving role of translators and underscored the need for balancing traditional techniques with modern AI-supported approaches in the field of translation.

Ahmed opened by outlining the sheer scale and complexity of translation at the United Nations, which handles an enormous volume of documents across six official languages. He emphasized that translating UN materials requires a high level of accuracy, cultural nuance, and a deep understanding of diplomatic language. He stressed that the authenticity of these official languages cannot be fully replicated by machines, as human translators remain key in preserving the rich nuances and context inherent in diplomatic communications.

Addressing the question of whether AI could fully replace human translators, Ahmed acknowledged AI’s growing capabilities, particularly in handling routine, repetitive translations. However, he emphasized that AI struggles with complex texts, such as those that require cultural sensitivity, context-based judgment, and ethical considerations—elements that are critical in international diplomacy. Confidentiality, especially in sensitive UN documents, remains a crucial factor that requires human oversight, and AI cannot yet manage such ethical intricacies with the required discretion.

Ahmed explained that while AI is increasingly integrated into the UN’s translation processes, it has not replaced human translators. Instead, AI tools assist by improving efficiency, allowing translators to manage more content in less time. However, human oversight is crucial to maintain accuracy, especially when translating sensitive materials. Ahmed also pointed to the UN’s recent decision to increase the individual productivity floor for linguists. This means translators are expected to handle a higher volume of work, with AI functioning as a supporting tool rather than a replacement.

Looking ahead, Ahmed discussed whether AI could eventually lead to the obsolescence of human translators. He suggested that while AI will continue to evolve, the human element remains indispensable, especially for complex, high-stakes translations. In fact, the growing reliance on AI is likely to increase the demand for human translators in the role of post-editors—a new job title for translators who review and refine AI-generated translations. As AI enables faster translations, the volume of work is expected to grow, driving the need for more post-editors to ensure that the translations meet the high standards of accuracy and cultural appropriateness required by the UN.

Ahmed concluded with an analysis of the tensions between traditional translation methods and AI-supported processes. He noted that translators are facing increasing pressure to adapt to new technologies while maintaining the rigorous standards expected by organizations like the UN. The balance between confidentiality, ethics, and the authenticity of official UN languages remains a key issue, as AI continues to expand its role in translation. However, the increased productivity demands and the emergence of post-editing as a critical role highlight the ongoing need for skilled human translators.

In his thought-provoking presentation, Ahmed also underscored the importance of maintaining the authenticity of UN languages, which is why translators will not be fully replaced by AI. The ethical considerations surrounding confidentiality, cultural understanding, and diplomatic sensitivities ensure that human oversight remains irreplaceable.

Ahmed's keynote speech ignited a dynamic discussion about how artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly reshaping the translation profession and the complex challenges that come with this transformation. He delved into the tensions between traditional translation methods and AI-supported processes, particularly within international organizations. Ahmed emphasized the importance of balancing the technological advancements brought by AI with the irreplaceable linguistic and cultural expertise of human translators. His insights highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to incorporating AI in translation, ensuring that it complements rather than replaces human talent. The First Translation Professionals' Meeting provided a vital platform for these discussions at a time when the translation industry is facing rapid changes driven by AI advancements and an increasing global demand for high-quality translations.

Several prominent presenters also contributed valuable insights during the meeting. Amal Gomaa's presentation on Multiple Intelligences demonstrated how understanding different cognitive approaches can enhance translation practices. Yasser Fahmy examined the impact of Localization, Functional Translation, and AI on industry practices, shedding light on how AI is reshaping localization and functional translation workflows. Amr Abuzid offered practical advice with his presentation on Techniques for Attracting New Clients and provided tips for translators on increasing their income, a critical aspect for professionals navigating the evolving marketplace.

Following his keynote, Fathi M. A. Ahmed participated in a lively panel discussion alongside other esteemed industry professionals, including Ibrahim Habib, Sherif Abuzid, Yasser Fahmy and Hamdiya Hassan. The panel offered an opportunity for in-depth dialogue, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers and explore the challenges and opportunities raised during the event. The interactive nature of the discussion facilitated a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of translation in the era of AI, making the meeting a significant milestone in the ongoing conversation about the future of the profession. 

In response to one of the audience’s questions, Ahmed elaborated on the United Nations' competitive language examinations, explaining how linguists can qualify and apply for these prestigious opportunities. He outlined the rigorous selection process and emphasized that passing these exams is a critical step for those aspiring to become translators, interpreters, or language professionals within the UN system.

Ahmed also highlighted the importance of internships within the United Nations as an entry point for early-career linguists. He noted that although the internships are unpaid by the UN, they provide invaluable exposure to the international organization's inner workings, allowing young professionals to gain experience and establish connections in the field.

The discussion was well-received, and many attendees expressed their appreciation for Ahmed’s insights on the evolving role of translation professionals in the age of AI. 

At the end of the event, several attendees gathered to take photos with Ahmed, marking a memorable close to the First Translation Professionals' Meeting.

In a heartfelt address, Ahmed conveyed his sincere gratitude to the dedicated organizers of the recent conference, whose efforts played a pivotal role in its success. He extended his warmest thanks to Ibrahim Habib, Sherif Abuzid, Ibrahim Mohamed, Mahmoud Hafiz, Mohamed Hassan, and Ahmed El-Gendy for their unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions.

Ahmed praised the team for their meticulous planning and execution, which ensured that the conference was both insightful and impactful. He acknowledged the considerable time and energy they invested in coordinating the event, from the initial stages of preparation to the final moments of the conference.

Looking ahead, Ahmed expressed his confidence in their continued success, conveying his best wishes for their future endeavors.