ع
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority will organize the gathering in coordination with UNESCO and the International Centre for AI Research and Ethics according to an announcement published on the UNESCO website. The four-day event will convene technology leaders policymakers heads of global companies and representatives of international organizations to strengthen dialogue on responsible AI governance. Sessions will facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices while exploring ways to harness AI for sustainable development and societal prosperity. High-level discussions and specialized workshops will showcase the latest global initiatives across key areas including ethics governance capacity building and international policy.
This edition marks the first time an Arab country will host the forum which UNESCO data places as a continuation of prior gatherings held in Prague Bangkok and Kranj Slovenia in 2024. The 2026 meeting builds directly on implementation of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence the first global normative framework in the field a UNESCO assessment found. More than 75 member states have participated in the organization’s Readiness Assessment Methodology since adoption of that recommendation UNESCO figures show. Evidence drawn from readiness diagnoses in 60 countries will help inform debates at the Riyadh sessions.
Topics on the agenda range from AI readiness and institutional capacity to supervision accountability gender equality inclusion education health youth well-being culture neurotechnology sustainability energy ecosystems and the role of international cooperation in tackling shared challenges UNESCO reported. The forum will support member states in translating the ethics recommendation into practical governance tools and measures that ensure AI serves people societies and the public good. No country or stakeholder group can address the opportunities and risks of AI alone according to the announcement framing.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences Gabriela Ramos said Getting AI policy right is one of the most consequential challenges of our time calling for mutual learning based on the lessons and good practices emerging from the different jurisdictions around the world. Ramos added The question is not whether to legislate on AI and converging technologies or not but how to best do so. We need true global coordination and knowledge sharing to build a responsible AI ecosystem that benefits everyone she stated in the UNESCO announcement.
Global surveys referenced by UNESCO indicate that 73 percent of people worldwide are concerned about AI risks while 71 percent expect regulatory measures. Investment in artificial intelligence technologies could approach 200 billion dollars by the end of 2025 UNESCO data shows. The Riyadh forum will also examine applications in public administration science and environmental protection with an emphasis on fair inclusive and non-discriminatory outcomes.
Registration for the event opened recently through the official portal at gfeai.icaire.org where the detailed program featured speakers and updates will be available UNESCO and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority stated jointly. The gathering aligns with broader efforts to advance AI ethics at both national and multilateral levels while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as an active partner in shaping global technology governance. Saudi authorities have integrated ethical considerations into national AI strategies that support Vision 2030 objectives a UNESCO overview noted.
