Riyadh to Host Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence with Broad International Participation
Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026 from September 14 to 17. The international event will bring together experts, researchers, and representatives of companies and international organizations to discuss the future of AI governance and how to turn ethical principles into practical, applicable tools.
The forum is being jointly organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority SDAIA and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, at a time when the adoption of generative AI technologies and intelligent systems is accelerating across business, education, healthcare, and public services.
Illustrative image — Brecht Corbeel / Unsplash.
AI governance at the center of the discussion
According to UNESCO, this year’s forum focuses on strengthening international cooperation for the ethical governance of AI. Sessions will address topics including countries’ AI readiness, oversight and accountability mechanisms, the use of technology in government, education, and healthcare, as well as issues related to safety, sustainability, cultural diversity, and digital inclusion.
The organization says the forum will draw on expertise gathered through the application of the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology in dozens of countries, with the aim of helping stakeholders move from broad principles to clearer and more measurable implementation frameworks.
New tools to support responsible use
Among the key initiatives announced by UNESCO ahead of the forum is its plan to launch new tools to support countries and institutions in building more responsible AI frameworks. These include an updated version of the readiness assessment methodology, a global analysis of governance trends, and a tool focused on the environmental impact of AI systems and ways to reduce resource and energy consumption.
The sessions are also expected to discuss the challenges associated with the rise of so-called agentic AI, systems capable of carrying out multiple tasks with greater autonomy, and the accompanying questions concerning transparency, accountability, and human oversight.
Why the event matters to the Saudi market
The forum’s significance for Saudi Arabia goes beyond hosting an international event. It comes in 2026, the year the Kingdom has designated as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” alongside expanding domestic investment in data centers, cloud computing, language models, and digital infrastructure.
The event will give companies, researchers, and specialized bodies in the Kingdom a direct opportunity to learn about the latest global trends in the responsible use of AI—issues that have become influential in investment decisions, technological development, data protection, and risk management.
The forum is expected to attract broad participation from technology and research experts, as well as specialized sessions and workshops focused on practical applications that can help institutions adopt AI in a safer and more transparent manner.
