Riyadh event helps nations shape AI policy tools

Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), hosted a side event on AI policy tools as part of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026.

The event aimed to support countries in designing and implementing AI policies aligned with their national priorities and digital readiness. The OECD presented its dedicated policy platform, explaining how to use it and sharing lessons learned from collaborative workshops and user experiences.

Showcasing tools and sharing experiences

The OECD highlighted that the available tools offer resources and guidance tailored to countries’ economic and cultural contexts, supporting the application of AI principles to foster innovation and protect human rights. Country representatives took part in practical working groups, using the platform to set priorities, assess current policies, identify gaps, and review relevant international experiences.

Discussing challenges and offering recommendations

Participants discussed challenges in designing and implementing AI policies, emphasizing the need for more guidance, resources, and opportunities for international cooperation. They also provided feedback and suggestions to improve the available tools to better meet their countries’ needs.

This event was one of several side activities held alongside the forum, which was organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICARE), with the participation of policymakers, experts, researchers, and international organizations.