Saudi Arabia to host UNESCO AI ethics forum in 2026, highlighting global role
Culture Minister says hosting UNESCO’s 2026 Global Forum on AI Ethics reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing international standing and commitment to responsible technology.
Key Takeaways
AISaudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2026 demonstrates the Kingdom’s advanced position on the international stage in supporting global dialogue on emerging technologies. He added that it also reflects Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to promoting the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity and sustainable development.
He noted that the partnership between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), along with cooperation with the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), serves as a model for international collaboration in developing policies and practices related to AI ethics. This partnership also enhances the exchange of expertise and capacity building among different countries.
He stated that the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science is keen to support national initiatives that strengthen the Kingdom’s presence in international organizations and foster cooperation with UNESCO in priority areas. He emphasized that the forum will provide a global platform for decision-makers, experts, and researchers to exchange insights and develop practical solutions that reinforce the principles of good governance in artificial intelligence.
He pointed out that hosting the forum in Riyadh is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s growing role in supporting high-impact international initiatives and consolidates its position as a global center for dialogue and cooperation in data and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to building a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable digital future.