RIYADH, September 17, 2026 — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), has launched the updated version of the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM 2.0). The launch took place during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh, bringing together policymakers and experts to help countries assess their readiness for AI governance and strengthen their ability to translate ethical principles into practical policies and practices.
Context and Background
The launch builds on joint efforts by UNESCO and ICAIRE, a center dedicated to advancing the ethical governance of artificial intelligence. ICAIRE played a key role in making the methodology and its report available in Arabic, reviewing and proofreading the translation to ensure its accuracy, and preparing publications and printed copies for distribution. The center is also developing an interactive website to facilitate access to information on AI governance and countries’ readiness and promote digital knowledge. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the center tracks the implementation of the methodology across 195 countries and territories, with 38 countries and territories having completed a full assessment and published their results as of 2024.
Key Details
RAM 2.0 is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for countries to evaluate their AI governance readiness. It offers a structured approach to identifying gaps and strengthening institutional capacities. The updated methodology incorporates lessons learned from the first version and reflects the rapid evolution of AI technologies. ICAIRE’s role in translating the methodology into Arabic ensures that Arabic-speaking nations can fully engage with the assessment process. The interactive website under development will serve as a central hub for sharing best practices and facilitating peer learning among nations.
Implications and Impact
The launch of RAM 2.0 is expected to enhance global cooperation on AI ethics and governance. By providing a common assessment tool, it enables countries to benchmark their progress and align their policies with international standards. The involvement of ICAIRE, based in Saudi Arabia, underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership in AI research and ethical governance. The knowledge base generated from assessments in 195 countries will support the exchange of expertise and help identify needs related to policy development and institutional capacity-building. This is particularly important as AI technologies continue to permeate every aspect of society and economy.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places technology, innovation, and digital transformation at the heart of its economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom’s support for UNESCO’s RAM 2.0 and ICAIRE’s work reflects its commitment to responsible AI development and global collaboration. By hosting GFEAI 2026 and supporting the launch of RAM 2.0, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a global hub for AI ethics and governance, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity.
20 Questions
Q1. What is RAM 2.0?
A1. RAM 2.0 is the updated AI Readiness Assessment Methodology launched by UNESCO with ICAIRE to help countries assess their readiness for AI governance and translate ethical principles into practical policies.
Q2. Who launched RAM 2.0?
A2. UNESCO, in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), launched RAM 2.0 during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh.
Q3. What is ICAIRE?
A3. ICAIRE is the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, which contributed to making the methodology and its report available in Arabic and is developing an interactive website on AI governance.
Q4. Where did the launch take place?
A4. The launch took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026).
Q5. When did the launch occur?
A5. The launch occurred on September 17, 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q6. What is the main goal of RAM 2.0?
A6. The main goal is to help countries assess their readiness for AI governance and strengthen their ability to translate ethical principles into practical policies and practices.
Q7. How many countries has ICAIRE tracked?
A7. ICAIRE tracks the implementation of the methodology across 195 countries and territories, providing a broad knowledge base for global AI governance.
Q8. How many countries completed assessments by 2024?
A8. As of 2024, 38 countries and territories had completed a full assessment and published their results, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Q9. What role did ICAIRE play in the launch?
A9. ICAIRE made the methodology and report available in Arabic, reviewed and proofread the translation, prepared publications, and is developing an interactive website for information access.
Q10. What is the significance of Arabic availability?
A10. It ensures Arabic-speaking nations can fully engage with the assessment process, promoting inclusivity and broader participation in global AI governance efforts.
Q11. What is the interactive website for?
A11. The website will facilitate access to information on AI governance and countries’ readiness, and promote digital knowledge sharing among nations.
Q12. How does RAM 2.0 help countries?
A12. It provides a structured framework to evaluate readiness, identify gaps, and strengthen institutional capacities for ethical AI governance.
Q13. What is the Global Forum on Ethics of AI?
A13. It is a UNESCO event that gathers policymakers and experts to discuss ethical AI and governance, with the 2026 edition held in Riyadh.
Q14. Why is AI governance important?
A14. AI governance ensures that AI technologies are developed and used ethically, respecting human rights and contributing to sustainable development.
Q15. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from hosting?
A15. Hosting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI ethics, supports Vision 2030 goals, and showcases its commitment to global cooperation.
Q16. What is Vision 2030’s relation to AI?
A16. Vision 2030 emphasizes technology and innovation, and Saudi Arabia’s support for AI governance aligns with its economic diversification strategy.
Q17. What happens after a country completes assessment?
A17. Countries can use results to inform policy development, build institutional capacity, and share best practices with others.
Q18. How does RAM 2.0 differ from the first version?
A18. It incorporates lessons learned and reflects rapid AI advancements, offering an improved framework for assessing readiness.
Q19. Who can use RAM 2.0?
A19. All countries and territories can use it to assess their AI governance readiness and align with international ethical standards.
Q20. What is the ultimate goal of RAM 2.0?
A20. The ultimate goal is to ensure AI benefits humanity by promoting ethical governance and helping countries develop robust policies and practices.
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