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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi Arabia will host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from Sept. 14 to 17, 2026. It will be organised by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in cooperation with UNESCO and the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence. This marks a significant step in the kingdom’s engagement with global AI initiatives.
According to SDAIA, the forum will focus on the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The recommendation was adopted by all 194 UNESCO member states in 2021 and remains the only global normative instrument on the subject. Participants will share experiences, good practices and research related to AI policy. The gathering aims to translate ethical principles into concrete actions across different sectors.
Previous editions of the forum were held in Prague in the Czech Republic, in Kranj, Slovenia and most recently in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2025. A total of 36 papers were selected for presentation at the 2025 forum, according to the International Research Centre in Artificial Intelligence. These events have progressively built a platform for dialogue among policymakers, civil society, academia and the private sector.
Saudi Arabia’s selection as host reflects the country’s advancements in responsible artificial intelligence development. In a statement, SDAIA highlighted that the kingdom continues to position itself at the forefront of responsible AI by co-hosting the forum. The authority has been instrumental in developing national strategies that align with international standards on data governance and ethical technology use. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the choice of venue reflects growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing.
The Global Forum serves as a key venue for assessing how nations are integrating AI ethics into their regulatory frameworks. Topics typically include bias mitigation, transparency in AI systems and the protection of human rights in technological applications. Outcomes from prior sessions have contributed to ongoing global efforts in this area.
