The President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation in AI governance during a series of high-level meetings in Geneva.
The discussions took place on July 8, 2026, on the sidelines of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, also attended the sessions.
International Meetings in Geneva
Alghamdi held separate bilateral talks with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and the World Bank’s Vice President for Digital and AI, Sangbu Kim. Additionally, he met with Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Transformation, Dr. Karsten Wildberger. These meetings aimed to build stronger international partnerships in data and artificial intelligence, focusing on shared global challenges.
Strengthening Global AI governance
During the bilateral discussions, Alghamdi met with international officials to review ways to enhance AI governance and promote the ethical adoption of emerging technologies. The representatives discussed mechanisms to align technological development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the talks addressed future risks that could affect societies and global labor markets.
“The Kingdom is committed to advancing international efforts to strengthen AI governance and promote the responsible and safe use of its technologies in support of humanity and sustainable development.”
Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA
Saudi Initiatives and Ethical Frameworks
Alghamdi highlighted several initiatives launched by Saudi Arabia to support the responsible use of technology. Notably, he pointed to the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh, which operates under the auspices of UNESCO. The center serves as a platform for developing ethical guidelines and research for emerging systems.
The Kingdom continues to implement risk management tools, maturity assessments, and accountability mechanisms. According to SDAIA, these tools are designed to build public trust while allowing space for technological development. The authority stated that these frameworks help organizations adopt new technologies responsibly. These measures also aim to bridge digital gaps between different countries.
Upcoming Global Forum in Riyadh
At the conclusion of the meetings, Alghamdi invited the international officials to participate in the fourth Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The event is organized by SDAIA in cooperation with UNESCO and ICAIRE. It will take place in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026, as part of the Kingdom’s Year of Artificial Intelligence.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
