Davos, January 23, 2025 – During his participation in a panel discussion titled “State of Play: AI Governance” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, emphasized the crucial role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in the modern world. Drawing a compelling analogy, Eng. Alswaha described AI as an essential resource, comparable to oxygen, water, and food, underscoring its significance as a fundamental driver of both economic and social development.
The minister highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive and innovative governance framework to effectively manage the growth and integration of AI technologies. Without such a framework, he warned, economies and societies could face significant negative consequences. He explained that the absence of AI in contemporary economies would be akin to depriving individuals of basic life necessities, as AI has become a cornerstone of modern progress, enabling advancements in various sectors ranging from healthcare to education, manufacturing, and beyond.
Eng. Alswaha further stressed that AI is not just a technological innovation but a “general-purpose technology,” integral to fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life globally. However, he cautioned that the lack of international cooperation on AI governance could lead to a widening divide between nations and communities, creating a scenario where a select elite would reap the benefits of AI while the rest of the global population could be left behind. This, he noted, could exacerbate existing technological and ethical gaps, undermining sustainability and global stability.
Addressing the Kingdom’s role in AI development, Eng. Alswaha outlined Saudi Arabia's strategic commitment under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to bridge the technological divide. The Kingdom has made significant strides in investing its resources, energy, and international partnerships to ensure its leadership in the fields of computing, data, and algorithms. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in driving the Kingdom’s digital transformation and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for cutting-edge technologies in the Middle East and beyond.
In terms of computing, Eng. Alswaha highlighted the Kingdom’s continued efforts in developing world-class data centers, achieved through collaborations with global industry leaders. These centers will play a vital role in supporting AI and data-driven innovations, making Saudi Arabia a central player in the global digital economy.
The minister also underscored Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the field of data, particularly given its strategic location at the heart of the Arab and Islamic world. He noted that the Kingdom is uniquely positioned to leverage its rich cultural heritage and vast resources to become a global leader in data-driven solutions, harnessing the power of data to address the needs of the region and the world.
Regarding algorithms, Eng. Alswaha stressed the importance of developing secure, transparent, and unbiased systems to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of AI technologies. He emphasized that the success of AI depends not only on its technological capabilities but also on the ethical frameworks that underpin its development and deployment. Secure and unbiased algorithms will be key to fostering trust and ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly to benefit all of humanity.
Concluding his remarks, Eng. Alswaha reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to collaborating with nations and institutions that share the Kingdom’s vision for innovative and sustainable AI solutions. He stressed that the Kingdom is dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably, with a focus on meeting humanity’s diverse needs while addressing the ethical and social challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. By working together with global partners, Saudi Arabia aims to foster a future where AI can drive positive change for people everywhere, ensuring a fair and prosperous digital future.
The minister’s comments at the World Economic Forum reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in the global conversation on AI governance and its proactive role in shaping the future of technology. As AI continues to evolve, the Kingdom’s vision and investments in AI and related technologies position it as a key player in the ongoing global effort to ensure that these innovations are used responsibly, sustainably, and for the benefit of all.