Riyadh to Host Global AI Ethics Forum in September

Riyadh will host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) from September 14 to 17, 2026, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, executives of major global companies and international organizations to discuss key issues in emerging technology governance and artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The forum, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO, represents a significant milestone in global efforts to establish responsible AI governance frameworks.

Context and Background

The GFEAI 2026 is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). This collaboration demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international dialogue on emerging technologies.

GFEAI has established itself as one of the leading international platforms focused on AI ethics. The 2026 edition is expected to strengthen global dialogue on responsible AI governance, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and explore ways to harness AI technologies to support sustainable development and promote societal prosperity.

Key Details

Registration to attend the GFEAI 2026, as well as access to its program, key speakers, and latest updates, is available through the forum’s official website: https://registration-gfeai.icaire.org/en/join.

Over four days, GFEAI 2026 is set to address key topics including AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation and international policies. The forum will showcase the latest global initiatives and experiences in the field through high-level sessions and specialized workshops, bringing together leading experts and policymakers from around the world.

Implications and Impact

The organization of GFEAI 2026 is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote AI ethics and governance at both the national and international levels. This initiative supports multilateral cooperation in developing frameworks for the responsible and trustworthy use of emerging technologies, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthening the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in shaping the future of AI globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting this global forum underscores its commitment to Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a hub for technology and innovation. By facilitating international dialogue on AI ethics, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of global efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits humanity while upholding ethical standards and promoting sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence?

A1. The UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is a leading international platform focused on AI ethics, bringing together experts and policymakers to discuss responsible AI governance and emerging technology challenges.

Q2. When and where will GFEAI 2026 take place?

A2. GFEAI 2026 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 14 to 17, 2026, marking the fourth edition of this important global forum.

Q3. Who is organizing GFEAI 2026?

A3. The forum is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE).

Q4. What is the main objective of GFEAI 2026?

A4. The main objective is to strengthen global dialogue on responsible AI governance, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and explore ways to harness AI technologies to support sustainable development and promote societal prosperity.

Q5. Who will attend GFEAI 2026?

A5. The forum will bring together technology leaders, policymakers, executives of major global companies, international organizations, leading experts, and policymakers from around the world.

Q6. What topics will be addressed at GFEAI 2026?

A6. Key topics include AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation, and international policies, showcased through high-level sessions and specialized workshops.

Q7. How can interested parties register for GFEAI 2026?

A7. Registration and access to the program, key speakers, and latest updates are available through the forum’s official website at https://registration-gfeai.icaire.org/en/join.

Q8. What is the significance of hosting GFEAI 2026 in Riyadh?

A8. Hosting the forum in Riyadh highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting AI ethics and governance internationally, aligning with Vision 2030 and strengthening the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in shaping the future of AI globally.

Q9. How does GFEAI 2026 align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A9. The forum supports Vision 2030 objectives by fostering international cooperation in AI ethics, promoting sustainable development, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for technology and innovation.

Q10. What is the role of SDAIA in GFEAI 2026?

A10. SDAIA, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, is the primary organizer of GFEAI 2026, leading efforts to bring together global stakeholders and drive discussions on responsible AI governance.

Q11. What is the role of UNESCO in GFEAI 2026?

A11. UNESCO partners with SDAIA to organize the forum, contributing its global expertise in ethics and AI to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue on responsible AI governance.

Q12. What is ICAIRE and its involvement in GFEAI 2026?

A12. ICAIRE, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, cooperates in organizing the forum, providing research and ethical expertise to support the development of responsible AI frameworks.

Q13. How many editions of GFEAI have been held previously?

A13. GFEAI 2026 is the fourth edition of the forum, following previous successful gatherings that have established it as a key international platform for AI ethics discussions.

Q14. What are the expected outcomes of GFEAI 2026?

A14. The forum is expected to strengthen global dialogue on AI governance, facilitate knowledge exchange, and explore ways to harness AI for sustainable development and societal prosperity.

Q15. How does GFEAI 2026 promote international cooperation?

A15. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from around the world, the forum fosters multilateral cooperation in developing frameworks for the responsible and trustworthy use of emerging technologies.

Q16. What is the duration of GFEAI 2026?

A16. The forum will span four days, from September 14 to 17, 2026, featuring high-level sessions and specialized workshops.

Q17. What is the significance of AI ethics in today’s world?

A17. AI ethics is crucial for ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are developed and used responsibly, upholding human rights, and promoting equitable and sustainable development globally.

Q18. How can GFEAI 2026 contribute to sustainable development?

A18. By exploring ways to harness AI technologies responsibly, the forum aims to support sustainable development goals and promote societal prosperity across nations.

Q19. What opportunities does GFEAI 2026 offer for participants?

A19. Participants can engage in high-level discussions, share best practices, network with global leaders, and contribute to shaping international policies on AI ethics and governance.

Q20. How does GFEAI 2026 reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. GFEAI 2026 demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in global technology governance, reinforcing its position as a leader in promoting ethical AI and international cooperation under Vision 2030.

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