The Kingdom contributes to drafting the charter of the “Artificial Intelligence Capabilities” network
In a move reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global technology landscape, the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) highlighted the Kingdom’s tireless efforts to implement the United Nations recommendation to establish a global network for AI capacity building. These initiatives culminate in the Kingdom’s pivotal role in international events, most recently its strategic partnership with Kenya and the International Centre for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE), which was widely welcomed by the UN.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
This diplomatic and technological momentum cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has placed data and artificial intelligence at the heart of its national priorities. Since the establishment of the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Kingdom has worked to build a robust digital infrastructure and flexible legislation, enabling it to host global AI summits and launch impactful initiatives. Participation in drafting the UN Global Compact is part of the Kingdom's commitment to bridging the digital divide between developed and developing countries and ensuring equitable and sustainable access to future technologies for all.
Details of international participation
These efforts were highlighted during SDAIA’s participation in a specialized session of the AI Capacity Building Centers Network workshop, organized by the Indian Institute of Technology with support from the United Nations Office for Digital, Emerging Technologies (UNODC). The virtual meeting aimed to unify global visions, exchange perspectives on the structure of the new global network, and collaborate on developing a founding charter to ensure its effectiveness in developing human capital worldwide.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
This event is of great strategic importance on several levels:
- Internationally: The Charter contributes to setting unified standards for training and development in the field of artificial intelligence, which promotes international cooperation and reduces the risks of irresponsible use of the technology.
- Regionally: The Kingdom is consolidating its position as a leader in digital transformation in the Middle East and North Africa region, and as a bridge for communication between major technology countries and the countries of the Global South.
- Locally: This international presence enhances the quality of national programs, as it allows the Kingdom to benefit from global best practices and export its successful experience at the same time.
Review of the Saudi experience
During the session, Abdulrahman Habib, Executive Vice President of the Strategy Management Office at SDAIA, reviewed the package of initiatives offered by the Authority to build national human capabilities, stressing the alignment of these efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. He affirmed that the Kingdom’s participation in drafting the Charter comes as an activation of the recommendations of the Global Digital Charter, and to enhance the Kingdom’s presence as a leading country in advanced technologies.
For its part, the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) participated in the session, highlighting its vital role in supporting the "responsible AI" ecosystem. The center emphasized the importance of developing training programs that encompass not only the technical aspects but also the ethical dimensions, enabling practitioners and decision-makers to guide these technologies to serve humanity. This reflects the balanced approach adopted by the Kingdom in this vital sector.
