The UNESCO AI ethics forum will take place in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026, marking the first time an Arab country hosts the international gathering. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) selected Saudi Arabia to host the fourth edition of the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026). This international event aims to support the implementation of recommendations regarding artificial intelligence governance and promote responsible technological practices.
International Participation and Objectives
The gathering will bring together technology and AI ministers from UNESCO member states, along with policymakers, corporate executives, and representatives of international organizations. Delegates will examine methods to direct advanced systems toward human development while safeguarding civil achievements. In addition, the event addresses international concerns regarding accountability in automated decision-making and algorithmic biases that create inequality among global communities.
Organizing Partners and Coordination
UNESCO will organize the event in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). Furthermore, the planning involves direct coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. Together, these entities are managing the formal registration process for specialists, officials, and delegates planning to attend the sessions in Riyadh.
UNESCO AI Ethics Forum Key Themes
Over four days, the UNESCO AI ethics forum will focus on governance structures, institutional capacity building, responsible innovation, and international policy frameworks. Specialized workshops and high-level sessions will present practical experiences and ethical assessment tools from multiple countries. Moreover, these discussions intend to connect technical research with practical implementation across the modern digital economy.
Implementation of Global Standards
The forum builds directly on the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which UNESCO member states adopted in 2021. Specifically, participants will work to establish policies that ensure fair technology distribution and close the digital divide between nations. Organizers confirmed that the UNESCO AI ethics forum will focus heavily on safeguarding human dignity and rights as technical deployment accelerates worldwide.
Regional Leadership and Multilateral Dialogue
Hosting the fourth edition in Riyadh highlights ongoing regional initiatives to integrate ethical principles into technology roadmaps. Through ICAIRE and SDAIA, the Kingdom works in alignment with international bodies to facilitate multilateral dialogue on technological safety. By convening global experts, the UNESCO AI ethics forum offers a collaborative platform to evaluate ethical benchmarks and promote inclusive global standards in emerging technology governance.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
