Riyadh: A total of 194 countries worldwide are awaiting the outcomes of discussions at the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, which Saudi Arabia will host in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026. Ministers, experts, and decision-makers from around the world will discuss key issues related to AI governance, the application of ethical principles, and ways to strengthen international cooperation to develop regulatory frameworks that promote the responsible and safe use of AI and protect human rights in the digital world.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum is set to address a range of issues of international concern, particularly the progress made by member states in implementing UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence since its adoption in 2021, as well as the institutional, financial, and technical challenges associated with translating ethical principles into effective policies and practices. Discussions will also cover financing for AI governance, institutional capacity building, and enhancing accountability in the use of AI technologies in government services.
Through more than 100 speakers across over 30 sessions and workshops, the forum will highlight the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and its role in assessing countries' preparedness to adopt AI responsibly, helping them identify opportunities and challenges and develop the necessary institutional and regulatory frameworks. It will also explore ways to enhance the participation of countries and regions in shaping international frameworks and standards related to AI ethics.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is organizing the forum in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), and in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. This marks the first time the international forum is being hosted in the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of the forum reflects its role in supporting international efforts to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI and contribute to developing governance frameworks that maximize the benefits of AI technologies for people and societies and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. It also comes amid the Kingdom's remarkable progress in data and AI in pursuit of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
