Ministers and international representatives discussed AI governance, inclusion, infrastructure and responsible innovation in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) issued a joint international statement following a closed ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on September 17, 2026. The meeting took place as part of the Fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), hosted by Saudi Arabia from September 14 to 17 and attended by more than 52 ministers and international representatives.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and Chairman of the ICAIRE Board, representing Saudi Arabia, and UNESCO Deputy Director-General Åsa Regnér. Alghamdi welcomed participants to the forum and highlighted cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO in various fields, including AI.

According to the joint statement, ministers and senior officials representing 52 countries discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with AI. Participants underscored the importance of international cooperation to ensure that the development, deployment and use of AI contribute to human well-being, sustainable development and the public good.

The participants also reaffirmed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in 2021, as a global normative framework for the ethical, safe, inclusive and sustainable development, deployment and use of AI. They commended UNESCO’s role in AI governance and encouraged further support for member states developing national AI strategies that reflect different national contexts, capacities, and cultural and linguistic diversity.

The statement highlighted the need to address disparities in access to AI capabilities and infrastructure, particularly in developing countries and Africa. Participants also emphasised intercultural dialogue, mutual learning and multilateral cooperation to foster trust and inclusive participation in AI development and governance, including the involvement of women and youth.

Infrastructure, institutional capacity, skills and knowledge sharing were identified as important foundations for safe and ethical AI use. Participants also called for greater cooperation among governments, international organisations, academia, the private sector and civil society in addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders.

The meeting co-chairs called on member states and stakeholders to support implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation and promote ethical, safe and sustainable AI. They also highlighted AI literacy, youth participation in AI governance, and the protection of children and young people’s rights and safety in the digital environment, while promoting responsible innovation and respect for human rights and dignity.

Source: Saudi Press Agency