Registration opens for AI ethics forum in Riyadh

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in partnership with UNESCO and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, has opened registration for the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from Sept. 14 to 17. The four-day event will convene policymakers, experts, academics and representatives from international organisations, as well as public- and private-sector delegates from around the world to advance dialogue on responsible AI governance.

"The event aims to advance global dialogue on responsible AI governance, promote the exchange of expertise and best practices, and explore how AI can support sustainable development and prosperous societies," organisers said, outlining the forum’s core objectives.

The forum is designed to cover a range of topics central to current debates about emerging technologies and their societal impacts. Over four days, high-level sessions and specialised workshops will address AI ethics, governance, capacity building, responsible innovation and international policy, while showcasing global initiatives and best practices through curated programmes featuring leading experts and policymakers.

• Dates: Sept. 14–17
• Organisers: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), UNESCO, International Center for AI Research and Ethics
• Participants: Policymakers, experts, academics, international organisations, public- and private-sector representatives
• Focus areas: AI ethics, governance, capacity building, responsible innovation, international policy

SDAIA’s partnership with UNESCO and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics signals a concerted effort to bring multilateral perspectives into discussions about AI governance. The forum reflects the Kingdom’s stated commitment to strengthen governance frameworks at both national and international levels and to support multilateral cooperation in developing trusted, responsible frameworks for emerging technologies.

Organisers emphasised the forum’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, presenting it as part of broader efforts to position the country as a hub for policymaking and research on artificial intelligence. By hosting international stakeholders and showcasing global initiatives, Riyadh aims to reinforce its role in shaping the future of AI and facilitating the exchange of policy solutions and technical expertise.

Sessions will include high-level plenaries and specialised workshops intended to produce actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. The programme will also highlight capacity-building initiatives intended to help governments and organisations implement ethical AI practices and responsible innovation processes.

Looking ahead, organisers expect the forum to catalyse durable cooperation among states, multilateral bodies and the private sector on shared standards for trustworthy AI. By promoting dialogue on practical governance measures and cross-border collaboration, the event aims to contribute to a more coherent international approach to AI ethics and policy — with outcomes that participants hope will inform national strategies and institutional frameworks in the months following the forum.