Riyadh is scheduled to host the fourth edition of the UNESCO AI forum on the ethics of artificial intelligence from September 14 to 17, 2026. The event will bring together technology leaders, policymakers, and executives of major global companies to discuss emerging technology governance.
Organizers of the UNESCO AI forum
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is organizing the event in partnership with UNESCO. This collaboration is coordinated with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. Furthermore, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) is cooperating to support the event’s execution.
Interested participants can access registration, the event program, and speaker updates through the official registration portal. The organizers stated that the platform is now open for international attendees who wish to join the discussions in Riyadh.
The Role of SDAIA and ICAIRE in AI Governance
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) plays a central role in driving the Kingdom’s data and AI agenda. By organizing the UNESCO AI forum, SDAIA continues to establish national frameworks that align with international standards. The International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), which is actively cooperating to support the event’s execution, serves as a key entity in researching ethical AI applications. Together, these organizations aim to foster a secure environment for technological innovation while addressing potential risks associated with rapid AI deployment.
Key Discussion Topics and Themes
The four-day event will address several main themes, including technology governance, capacity building, and international policies. Specifically, sessions will focus on responsible development and the exchange of global expertise. Attendees will analyze current frameworks to support sustainable development goals through technology.
The UNESCO AI forum aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices among international experts. Consequently, high-level sessions and specialized workshops will showcase recent global initiatives. These sessions will help policymakers establish reliable frameworks for emerging technologies.
National and International Alignment
The organization of this event aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its role as an active partner in shaping the future of global technology. By hosting the UNESCO AI forum, the Kingdom supports multilateral cooperation to develop trustworthy systems.
Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing heavily in digital infrastructure and technological capabilities. The hosting of the UNESCO AI forum in Riyadh highlights these ongoing national efforts to transition toward a knowledge-based economy. By engaging with global policymakers and technology leaders, Saudi Arabia aims to contribute directly to international dialogues on AI governance, ensuring that future technological advancements benefit society as a whole.
In addition, these efforts support national policies aimed at implementing ethical guidelines for technology. The Kingdom continues to build partnerships with international organizations to align local practices with global standards.
Future Outlook for Technology Governance
As artificial intelligence continues to develop, international cooperation remains necessary for establishing clear boundaries. The upcoming event in Riyadh represents a step toward unifying global standards. Policymakers expect the discussions to result in actionable recommendations for future regulatory frameworks.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
