RIYADH: In a landmark decision, UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference approved the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) as a Category 2 Center.
Headquartered in Riyadh, ICAIRE’s status was endorsed during the conference, attended by Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).
Elite league of data-driven economies
SDAIA was established to drive the national agenda for Data & AI to elevate the Kingdom as a global leader in the elite league of data-driven economies.
The authority aims to capitalise on data and AI for the Kingdom economically and socially through national combined efforts by all stakeholders.
SDAIA has developed the National Strategy for Data & AI, which was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in July 2020.
This achievement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting UNESCO’s mission and promoting positive aspects globally. The Kingdom’s dedication to AI development is evident in its adoption of UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations in November 2021
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ICAIRE, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, will focus on AI programs in the Middle East, particularly in Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, an early adopter of AI ethics recommendations, launched these principles at the second Global AI Summit organised by SDAIA in September 2022.
The Saudi Cabinet’s July 25, 2023 decision officially established the “International Center for AI Research and Ethics” in Riyadh. The center, with legal and financial independence, is a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to AI leadership.
ICAIRE’s activities span four key domains: facilitating AI research and development, promoting awareness of AI ethics, offering policy recommendations, and contributing to international AI efforts for the benefit of humanity.
This initiative solidifies the Kingdom’s role in coordinating global cooperation on AI policies, ethics, and research.
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