Saudi Arabia to host UNESCO AI ethics forum in 2026, culture minister says

Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s prominent international role in advancing dialogue on emerging technologies.

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 AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), serves as a model for international collaboration in developing ethical policies and practices related to artificial intelligence.

He added that the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science is committed to supporting national initiatives that strengthen the Kingdom’s presence in international organizations and enhance cooperation with UNESCO in priority areas.

A global platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange

Prince Badr bin Abdullah stated that the forum will provide a global platform bringing together decision-makers, experts, and researchers to exchange insights and develop practical solutions that reinforce the principles of sound AI governance.

He pointed out that hosting the forum in Riyadh builds on the Kingdom’s growing role in supporting high-profile international initiatives and cements its position as a global hub 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.