Riyadh to host UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics in September

Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2026, scheduled for September 14-17. The event will see broad participation from technology leaders, policymakers, and heads of major companies and international organizations.

The forum is organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO, coordinated by the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and in collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE).

Interested participants can register through the official website and access the program, speaker list, and updates via this link.

Forum themes and global significance

The UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is considered one of the leading international platforms in this field. It plays a key role in advancing global dialogue on responsible AI governance and sharing expertise and best practices.

Over four days, the forum will address several main themes, including AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation, and international policies. It will also showcase the latest initiatives and global experiences through specialized sessions and workshops.

Saudi Arabia's role in advancing AI ethics

Organizers stated that the forum builds on Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to promote AI ethics and strengthen governance at both national and international levels. It also supports multilateral cooperation to develop frameworks for the responsible use of emerging technologies, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Hosting the forum further enhances the Kingdom's position as an active partner in shaping the global future of artificial intelligence.