UNESCO Approves Granting International Center for AI ‎Research and Ethics in Riyadh the Status of Category 2, ‎Strengthening Kingdom’s Position of a Leader in AI

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference, in its 42nd session, approved today granting the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), which is headquartered in Riyadh, the status of Category 2 Center under its auspices.

Present at the event were Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, the permanent mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO and the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science.

This Saudi achievement comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s constant support for UNESCO’s mission to promote all positive aspects in the lives of people. It is, at the same time, testimony to its domestic, regional and international commitments, and an acknowledgement of its continuous support for artificial intelligence and its use for the benefit of countries worldwide, particularly the developing countries.

ICAIRE supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the priorities and scope of UNESCO’s AI programs, focusing on the Arab countries in the Middle East.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to adopt the recommendations concerning AI ethics, which UNESCO adopted in November 2021, with the participation of 193 states.

In mid-September 2022, the principles of AI ethics were launched at the second Global AI Summit, which SDAIA organized. On July 25, 2023, the Cabinet issued a decision approving the establishment of a center called the “International Center for AI Research and Ethics”, to be based in Riyadh, and that would have legal personality, and financial and administrative independence.

The establishment of this center is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to become a leader in artificial intelligence, and to enhance its role in coordinating international and regional cooperation in the field of AI policies, ethics and research.

The center’s activities will be concentrated in four domains: facilitating AI research and development, fostering communication and awareness regarding AI ethics, offering policy recommendations and support in the development of AI capabilities, and making contributions to international efforts that benefit humanity in the realm of AI.