Riyadh, November 16, 2023, In a significant development, the 42nd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference has granted approval to the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) for the status of Category 2 Center under its auspices. Headquartered in Riyadh, this achievement underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's steadfast commitment to supporting UNESCO's mission and promoting positive aspects in people's lives.
Present at the event were notable figures, including Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, the permanent mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, and the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science. This recognition aligns with the Kingdom's continuous support for artificial intelligence and its global application, particularly in developing countries.
ICAIRE is dedicated to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and aligns its priorities with UNESCO's AI programs, with a specific focus on Arab countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, being among the first countries to adopt AI ethics recommendations by UNESCO in November 2021, has been proactive in its efforts to promote responsible AI practices.
The establishment of ICAIRE was officially approved by the Cabinet in July 2023, marking a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of leadership in artificial intelligence. The center, based in Riyadh, boasts legal personality, financial independence, and administrative autonomy. Its activities will be concentrated in four key domains: facilitating AI research and development, promoting awareness and communication on AI ethics, offering policy recommendations and support for AI capability development, and contributing to international efforts that advance humanity in the realm of AI.
This milestone underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering international and regional cooperation in the field of AI policies, ethics, and research. It positions the Kingdom as a leading force in the global AI landscape, contributing to advancements that benefit humanity while upholding ethical standards in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
