Riyadh will host the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from September 14 to 17, 2026, bringing together leading experts, policymakers and technology leaders to discuss the future of AI governance and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The Kingdom will become the first Arab country to host the UNESCO global forum, highlighting its growing international role in artificial intelligence and AI ethics and strengthening its contribution to global efforts to develop responsible and trustworthy frameworks for emerging technologies.
UNESCO and the Kingdom Join Forces
The forum will be co-hosted by UNESCO and the Kingdom, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics.
The event aims to advance the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence across its member states, while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences in AI policies, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity-building.
It will also address the need to promote inclusive and sustainable social and economic development while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms amid the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
First Arab Host of the Global Forum
The Kingdom will be the first Arab country to host the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence since the event was launched in 2022.
Previous editions were hosted by Czechia, Slovenia and Thailand, while the European Union has provided co-funding support for the forum since 2024.
The event brings together global technology leaders, policymakers, executives of major international companies, experts and representatives of international organizations to strengthen dialogue and develop practical and sustainable approaches to AI ethics and governance.
Held Alongside Global AI Summit 2026
The forum will take place in Riyadh alongside the Global AI Summit 2026 as part of the Kingdom’s Global AI Week.
The simultaneous events are expected to create a platform connecting discussions on AI ethics and governance with technological innovation and the latest developments in the field.
The forum will also coincide with the Kingdom’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the growing focus on advancing AI capabilities and expanding its applications.
Global Experiences and Specialized Workshops
The forum will feature high-level sessions and specialized workshops showcasing the latest global initiatives and experiences in AI ethics, while addressing emerging challenges surrounding the governance of new technologies.
The discussions come amid growing international demand for clear frameworks that enable responsible and trustworthy AI development while balancing technological innovation with the protection of individual and societal rights.
Riyadh’s hosting of the forum builds on the Kingdom’s efforts to advance AI ethics and strengthen AI governance at both national and international levels, while supporting multilateral cooperation to develop frameworks for the responsible and trustworthy use of emerging technologies.
