Joint statement with UNESCO and ICAIRE involving over 60 countries calls for stronger national AI governance, support for Global South and greater protection of human rights
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has further strengthened its role as an influential global partner in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) by chairing a high-level ministerial meeting on AI ethics during the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Riyadh.
The meeting culminated in a joint international statement issued in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), bringing together ministers and representatives from more than 60 countries.
The gathering marked a significant milestone as Saudi Arabia became the first Arab country to host a high-level dialogue on AI ethics alongside major international organizations, amid growing global debate over AI safety, governance and the need for stronger international coordination to mitigate emerging risks.
Participants placed global AI governance at the centre of international dialogue, bringing together governments, organizations and experts to translate ethical principles into practical policies, strike a balance between technological innovation and safety requirements, and strengthen international cooperation in addressing cross-border challenges.
The joint statement called for the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence to become an operational cornerstone of national AI governance systems.
It also stressed the importance of inclusive AI governance, calling for efforts to bridge infrastructure and technological gaps, strengthen support for the Global South and Africa, and ensure the meaningful participation of youth and women in the development of AI regulatory frameworks.
The statement urged member states to accelerate implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation through national governance mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives, promoting the ethical, safe and sustainable deployment of AI.
It further emphasized the need to safeguard cultural diversity and human rights, while ensuring the protection and safety of children and young people in the rapidly evolving digital environment.
The high-level dialogue underscored the growing importance of coordinated international action to ensure that advances in artificial intelligence serve humanity while addressing the ethical, social and security challenges associated with emerging technologies.
