Saudi Arabia is hosting the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, bringing together more than 1,200 participants to examine how governments can translate AI ethics principles into practical governance frameworks as adoption accelerates globally.
The three-day GFEAI 2026 runs through September 17 under the theme "Transforming Global Cooperation for Ethical AI Governance."
Co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and UNESCO, the forum is organised by the Saudi Data and AI Authority in partnership with UNESCO and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, and in coordination with the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
More than 100 speakers are participating across over 30 sessions and workshops, including ministers from UNESCO member states, policymakers, researchers, academics and representatives of governments and international organisations.
Saudi Arabia positions AI governance alongside technology investment
Opening the forum, SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi said Saudi Arabia's hosting of the event comes during 2026, which the Kingdom has designated as its Year of Artificial Intelligence.
He said Saudi Arabia views AI development as requiring more than the adoption of new technologies, with institutions, regulation, technical capabilities, talent and international partnerships forming part of the wider national ecosystem.
SDAIA was established in 2019 to institutionalise the Kingdom's work around data and AI at the national level. Its board is chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia subsequently established the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in Riyadh in 2022. The centre operates under the auspices of UNESCO and focuses on research, policy development, capability building and international cooperation around responsible AI.
Its remit also includes translating ethical principles into practical tools and practices.
Data protection and AI ethics form regulatory foundation
Alghamdi highlighted several measures Saudi Arabia has introduced as part of its governance framework.
The Kingdom adopted its Personal Data Protection Law in 2021, alongside national data governance policies covering the classification, sharing, availability, protection and use of data.
Saudi Arabia followed this with AI Ethics Principles in 2022, aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
The principles cover areas including fairness, privacy, security, safety, transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems.
The Riyadh forum is focusing on the next stage of that process, particularly how broad principles can be translated into practical governance measures as AI becomes more deeply embedded in government, business and society.
More than one million trained through SMAI initiative
AI skills and human capability are another major component of Saudi Arabia's strategy.
Alghamdi said more than one million beneficiaries have received training in AI fundamentals through the national SMAI initiative.
The Kingdom's wider approach spans basic AI awareness, talent identification, academic and professional training and the development of specialised expertise.
Building those capabilities is intended to complement Saudi investment in AI technology and infrastructure by expanding the pool of people able to develop, deploy and govern the technology.
Saudi Arabia completes UNESCO AI readiness assessment
UNESCO Deputy Director General Åsa Regnér said Saudi Arabia completed the organisation's Readiness Assessment Methodology process in 2025.
UNESCO's RAM process is intended to examine countries' readiness to implement responsible AI across relevant institutional and governance dimensions.
Its completion provides another link between Saudi Arabia's domestic AI governance programme and UNESCO's wider international framework.
Regnér also highlighted the participation of women in AI, arguing that strong academic achievement among young women is not always translated into equivalent participation in the labour market or AI-related decision-making.
She called for greater utilisation of that talent as AI ecosystems develop.
Forum targets international cooperation on AI governance
GFEAI 2026 is placing significant emphasis on international coordination.
Panel discussions are examining AI ethics and governance, practical implementation of responsible AI principles and mechanisms for strengthening cooperation between governments and international organisations.
The discussions come as countries face increasingly similar questions around privacy, transparency, accountability, safety and governance while pursuing different national approaches to AI development and regulation.
The forum therefore provides a venue for governments, researchers and technology stakeholders to compare approaches and explore areas where greater international alignment may be possible.
No new binding international AI governance agreement was announced in the source.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
