Riyadh, October 31, 2024 — At the opening of the two-day Global CSR Forum, President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), Abdullah Alghamdi, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) when coupled with a strong sense of social responsibility. Speaking under the forum's theme, "From Commitment to Impact," Alghamdi emphasized that leveraging AI can lead to fundamental advancements in various sectors, including education, healthcare, humanitarian efforts, moral accountability, and environmental sustainability, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Alghamdi elaborated on SDAIA’s commitment to social responsibility as a cornerstone of its mission to enhance human capacity in the realms of data and AI. A key initiative in this regard is the Elevate program, which aims to empower and train 25,000 women in AI and data-related skills. He also discussed the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad, which saw participation from contestants representing 25 countries, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering global talent in AI.
Moreover, he introduced the ALLaM model, a groundbreaking Saudi-developed AI system designed to provide users with answers across various fields of knowledge in Arabic. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in technology for Arabic-speaking populations.
In the healthcare sector, Alghamdi announced the development of Eyenai, an AI-driven solution focused on eye health. This innovative tool employs advanced analytics and smart algorithms to facilitate the early detection of eye diseases. Over the past year, Eyenai has successfully diagnosed 846 patients, demonstrating the practical benefits of AI in improving health outcomes.
SDAIA’s initiatives also extend to empowering individuals with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder. Alghamdi detailed how the organization has streamlined access to digital cards issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development through the digital wallet feature in the Tawakkalna application, thus enhancing accessibility for this vulnerable group.
Turning to charitable efforts, Alghamdi highlighted the Ehsan platform, which utilizes data and AI to optimize the management of charitable donations. This initiative has garnered over SAR 8.3 billion, positively impacting the lives of more than 4.8 million beneficiaries. Furthermore, SDAIA oversees volunteer initiatives across numerous non-governmental organizations, facilitating 51 programs aimed at enhancing community engagement and support.
Alghamdi also discussed SDAIA’s collaboration with various ministries, including those of environment, water, agriculture, and energy, to further the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. He underscored the pivotal role of data analysis and AI in projects such as urban afforestation, which forms a crucial part of the Saudi Green Initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
To further reinforce its commitment to ethical AI practices, Saudi Arabia is establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh, in partnership with UNESCO. This initiative signifies the Kingdom's dedication to upholding AI ethics and ensuring that advancements in technology align with human values.
Alghamdi concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among governments, corporations, and individuals to fully realize the potential of AI. He reiterated that the focus must remain on ethical considerations and the promotion of human values as society navigates the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
