ICAIRE Launches Third Edition of Elevate in Riyadh

Riyadh, September 15, 2026 — The International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), in partnership with IBM, launched the third edition of its Elevate initiative on Tuesday, aiming to train a total of 25,000 women in artificial intelligence. The announcement was made during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh, a major international gathering hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The launch coincided with a graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the program, celebrating their successful completion of rigorous training in AI and its ethical dimensions.

Context and Background

The Elevate initiative, spearheaded by ICAIRE and supported by IBM, was first introduced as a strategic effort to close the gender gap in advanced technology fields. Its third edition builds on the momentum of two previous successful cycles, now setting an ambitious target of reaching 25,000 women. This expansion reflects a growing recognition that inclusive participation is essential for developing responsible AI solutions that serve society broadly. The program forms part of a wider national and global push to integrate ethical considerations into AI development, ensuring that technological progress aligns with human values.

The launch took place on the sidelines of GFEAI 2026, a forum that brings together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the ethical governance of artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this event underscores its emerging role as a convenor of global dialogues on technology and ethics. The graduation of the second cohort added a celebratory note, highlighting the tangible outcomes of the initiative: a new generation of women equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the AI ecosystem.

Key Details

The third edition of Elevate will focus on scaling up training opportunities, with the goal of reaching 25,000 women across various regions. The curriculum emphasizes both technical proficiency in AI and a deep understanding of ethical frameworks, preparing participants to design and deploy AI systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable. The second cohort’s graduation marks the completion of an intensive program that combined theoretical instruction with practical projects, enabling participants to apply ethical principles in real-world scenarios.

ICAIRE and IBM have committed to providing resources, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge tools to ensure the program’s success. The initiative also aligns with the objectives of GFEAI, which seeks to promote the ethical use of AI and harness its potential to serve people and society. By empowering women, Elevate contributes to building a more diverse and skilled workforce capable of addressing the complex challenges of the AI era.

Implications and Impact

The expansion of Elevate carries significant implications for the global AI landscape. By training thousands of women, the initiative helps to diversify the talent pipeline, which is crucial for developing AI that reflects a wide range of perspectives and avoids biases. This is particularly important as AI systems increasingly influence areas such as healthcare, education, and public services. The program also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in ethical AI, showcasing its commitment to inclusive innovation and international cooperation.

Furthermore, the graduation of the second cohort demonstrates the program’s effectiveness and its potential to create a ripple effect. Alumni are expected to become advocates for ethical AI within their communities and organizations, driving positive change. The partnership between ICAIRE and IBM serves as a model for public-private collaboration, illustrating how joint efforts can accelerate progress toward shared goals. As the third edition unfolds, it will likely inspire similar initiatives worldwide, amplifying its impact.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Elevate initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy and empower its citizens, particularly women. By investing in women’s education and skills in AI, the program supports the Vision’s goals of increasing female participation in the workforce and fostering a knowledge-based economy. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a global hub for technology and innovation, while upholding ethical standards. As the Kingdom continues to advance its digital transformation, initiatives like Elevate will play a vital role in ensuring that progress is inclusive and responsible, benefiting both Saudi society and the wider world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Elevate initiative?

A1. Elevate is a program by ICAIRE and IBM to train women in artificial intelligence and its ethical applications, aiming to increase their participation in advanced technology fields.

Q2. Who launched the third edition of Elevate?

A2. The International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), in partnership with IBM, launched the third edition.

Q3. Where was the launch announced?

A3. The launch was announced during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q4. What is the total number of women Elevate aims to train?

A4. The initiative aims to train a total of 25,000 women in artificial intelligence and related ethical frameworks.

Q5. What happened at the graduation ceremony?

A5. The second cohort of the Elevate initiative graduated, celebrating their acquisition of knowledge and skills in AI and its ethics.

Q6. Why is Elevate important for women?

A6. Elevate supports women’s participation in advanced technology fields, helping them contribute to innovative and responsible AI solutions.

Q7. How does Elevate align with GFEAI objectives?

A7. Elevate aligns with GFEAI’s goals of promoting ethical AI use and harnessing it to serve people and society.

Q8. What is ICAIRE?

A8. ICAIRE stands for the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, an organization focused on AI research and ethical guidelines.

Q9. What role does IBM play in Elevate?

A9. IBM is a partner in the initiative, providing resources, expertise, and support to help train women in AI and ethics.

Q10. When did the launch take place?

A10. The launch took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the GFEAI 2026 forum in Riyadh.

Q11. What is GFEAI?

A11. GFEAI is the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a UNESCO-led event that discusses ethical AI governance.

Q12. How many editions of Elevate have there been?

A12. The third edition has just been launched, following the successful completion of the first two editions.

Q13. What skills do participants gain?

A13. Participants gain technical AI skills and a deep understanding of ethical frameworks to design fair and accountable AI systems.

Q14. Why is ethical AI important?

A14. Ethical AI ensures that technology is developed and used in ways that are fair, transparent, and beneficial to society.

Q15. How does Elevate support Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. Elevate supports Vision 2030 by empowering women, enhancing workforce participation, and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Q16. What impact will Elevate have on the AI industry?

A16. It will diversify the AI talent pool, reduce biases, and promote responsible innovation globally.

Q17. Who can apply for Elevate?

A17. Women interested in AI and ethics can apply; specific eligibility criteria are set by ICAIRE and IBM.

Q18. What did the second cohort achieve?

A18. The second cohort completed an intensive program, gaining skills to contribute to ethical AI development.

Q19. How does Elevate promote inclusivity?

A19. By training women, Elevate addresses gender disparities in tech and ensures diverse perspectives in AI development.

Q20. What is next for Elevate after this launch?

A20. The third edition will roll out training for 25,000 women, with ongoing support from ICAIRE and IBM to expand its reach.

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