Riyadh brings 194 countries together for global dialogue on AI ethics

Tuesday 01 September 2026 - 18:15

By: Azzat Manal

Riyadh brings 194 countries together for global dialogue on AI ethics

Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from September 14 to 17, bringing together representatives from 194 countries to discuss how the rapidly evolving technology should be governed responsibly.

The event is expected to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing role in international discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and its future. At the center of the debate will be some of the most pressing ethical challenges linked to AI, including transparency in algorithmic decision-making, equal access to advanced technologies and the risk of excessive concentration of AI capabilities among a limited number of countries and companies.

The forum is expected to attract technology ministers, policymakers, representatives of major global technology companies, academics and specialists from different parts of the world. Their discussions will focus on translating broad ethical principles into practical policies capable of addressing the social and economic consequences of artificial intelligence.

Among the issues likely to receive particular attention are stronger mechanisms for assessing the ethical impact of AI systems and the development of independent oversight bodies capable of monitoring algorithms for discrimination and bias. Such measures could help improve accountability as AI becomes increasingly integrated into public services, business, education and other sectors.

Another major theme will be digital equity. Participants are expected to examine ways of making AI technologies and expertise more accessible to developing countries, while encouraging international cooperation and technology transfer at sustainable costs.

Privacy and the protection of personal data are also expected to remain central to the discussions. As AI systems increasingly process vast amounts of information, international standards for data protection and responsible data use are becoming increasingly important.

The forum is also expected to address linguistic and cultural diversity in artificial intelligence. Developing multilingual AI systems could help expand access to digital tools while ensuring that technological progress does not disproportionately favor a limited number of languages or cultures.

A key objective of the gathering will be to move beyond general declarations and turn UNESCO’s principles on AI ethics into practical measures. Participants are expected to consider tools for measuring countries’ readiness to adopt AI responsibly, as well as frameworks for evaluating the ethical performance of AI applications across different sectors.

The Riyadh meeting comes at a time when governments around the world are seeking to establish clearer rules for artificial intelligence while balancing innovation with concerns over privacy, discrimination, security and unequal access to technology.

By bringing together a broad range of governments, experts and technology stakeholders, the forum aims to contribute to a more coordinated international approach to AI governance and promote the development of artificial intelligence that is transparent, inclusive and respectful of fundamental rights.