KSGAAL Joins 2026 UNESCO AI Ethics Forum in Riyadh

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) is participating in the 2026 UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Riyadh, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency. The forum brings together policymakers, experts, academics, and representatives from international organizations and the public and private sectors worldwide to discuss the ethical dimensions of AI. KSGAAL’s involvement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing the Arabic language in the digital age and promoting ethical AI development.

Context and Background

The UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI is a major international event that addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Held in Riyadh, the forum highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global discussions on technology and ethics. KSGAAL, a leading institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Arabic language, is participating to showcase its work in computational linguistics and AI. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital transformation and innovation.

Key Details

Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of KSGAAL, stated that the academy is working through integrated tracks in computational linguistics and AI. These include building linguistic data and resources, developing measurement and evaluation tools, preparing standards for the computational processing of Arabic, and working on technical terminology and abbreviations. These efforts support scientific research and the development of digital applications and products related to the Arabic language. KSGAAL’s participation aims to strengthen the presence of Arabic in AI and language technology, exchange expertise with international institutions, and open avenues for cooperation on Arabic and modern technologies.

Implications and Impact

KSGAAL’s involvement in the UNESCO forum has significant implications for the global Arabic-speaking community and beyond. By contributing to the ethical framework for AI, KSGAAL ensures that the Arabic language remains relevant and accessible in the digital era. This participation also positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in shaping the future of AI ethics, fostering international collaboration, and promoting cultural exchange. The exchange of expertise with specialized institutions will accelerate the development of Arabic-language AI tools, benefiting researchers, businesses, and users worldwide.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and enhance digital innovation. KSGAAL’s work in computational linguistics and AI directly supports these goals by preserving and promoting the Arabic language while embracing technological advancement. The academy’s participation in the UNESCO forum exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to global cooperation and leadership in ethical AI, ensuring that Arabic remains a vibrant language in the digital future.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL)?

A1. KSGAAL is a leading Saudi institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of the Arabic language globally. It focuses on linguistic research, computational linguistics, and AI to support Arabic in the digital age.

Q2. What is the 2026 UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI?

A2. It is an international event held in Riyadh, bringing together policymakers, experts, and organizations to discuss ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. The forum aims to develop guidelines for responsible AI development and use.

Q3. Why is KSGAAL participating in the UNESCO forum?

A3. KSGAAL is participating to strengthen the presence of Arabic in AI and language technology, exchange expertise with international institutions, and open cooperation avenues on Arabic and modern technologies, as part of its mission to promote the Arabic language.

Q4. What did Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi say about KSGAAL’s work?

A4. Dr. Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of KSGAAL, stated that the academy works through integrated tracks in computational linguistics and AI, including building linguistic data, developing evaluation tools, and preparing standards for computational processing of Arabic.

Q5. What are the integrated tracks in computational linguistics and AI mentioned by KSGAAL?

A5. These include building linguistic data and resources, developing measurement and evaluation tools, preparing standards for computational processing of Arabic, and working on technical terminology and abbreviations to support scientific research.

Q6. How does KSGAAL’s participation align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. It aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on digital transformation and innovation. By preserving and promoting Arabic in AI, KSGAAL supports the Kingdom’s goals of economic diversification and global leadership in technology.

Q7. What is the significance of the forum being held in Riyadh?

A7. Holding the forum in Riyadh highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global technology and ethics discussions. It showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting major international events and shaping AI policies.

Q8. Who are the participants in the UNESCO Global Forum?

A8. Participants include policymakers, experts, academics, and representatives from international organizations and the public and private sectors from around the world, fostering diverse perspectives on AI ethics.

Q9. How does KSGAAL contribute to the ethical framework for AI?

A9. KSGAAL contributes by developing standards for Arabic computational processing, promoting linguistic diversity, and ensuring that AI respects cultural and linguistic heritage, thus enriching global AI ethics discussions.

Q10. What role does computational linguistics play in KSGAAL’s mission?

A10. Computational linguistics is central to KSGAAL’s mission as it enables the development of AI tools that understand and generate Arabic, supporting research, digital applications, and the modernization of the language.

Q11. What are the benefits of KSGAAL’s participation for the Arabic language?

A11. It strengthens Arabic’s presence in AI, ensuring the language remains vibrant and accessible online. It also leads to better tools for Arabic speakers and promotes linguistic diversity in technology.

Q12. How does KSGAAL exchange expertise with international institutions?

A12. Through forums like the UNESCO event, KSGAAL collaborates with global experts, shares its research, and learns best practices in AI ethics and language technology, fostering mutual growth.

Q13. What are the expected outcomes of the UNESCO forum?

A13. The forum aims to produce ethical guidelines for AI, foster international cooperation, and promote inclusive AI development. It also highlights the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in AI.

Q14. How does KSGAAL support scientific research in Arabic?

A14. KSGAAL builds linguistic data and resources, develops evaluation tools, and sets standards for computational processing, enabling researchers to advance Arabic language technology and applications.

Q15. What are technical terminology and abbreviations in KSGAAL’s work?

A15. KSGAAL standardizes technical terms and abbreviations in Arabic to facilitate clear communication in scientific and technical fields, supporting the language’s adaptability to modern contexts.

Q16. How does KSGAAL’s work impact digital applications and products?

A16. By developing standards and resources, KSGAAL enables the creation of digital applications and products that effectively process Arabic, benefiting users, businesses, and researchers globally.

Q17. What is the significance of Arabic in AI ethics?

A17. Arabic is a major global language, and its inclusion in AI ethics ensures that AI systems respect linguistic diversity, cultural values, and provide equitable access to technology for Arabic speakers.

Q18. How can international cooperation benefit Arabic language technology?

A18. International cooperation brings together diverse expertise and resources, accelerating innovation in Arabic language technology and ensuring that AI developments are inclusive and ethical.

Q19. What future initiatives might KSGAAL undertake in AI?

A19. KSGAAL may expand its computational linguistics projects, collaborate on global AI standards, and develop more advanced Arabic language tools, continuing to support Vision 2030 and linguistic heritage.

Q20. How does KSGAAL ensure the Arabic language remains relevant in the digital age?

A20. By integrating Arabic into AI and language technology, KSGAAL ensures the language evolves with digital advancements, remaining accessible and functional for future generations.

---