Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Prince Badr Bin Farhan, has announced the establishment of an International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh. This announcement, made during UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference in Paris, marks a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards becoming a leader in AI technology and ethical practices.
The center aims to be a beacon of ethical AI practices, underscoring the importance of integrating values and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. It will operate independently, with its own legal, financial, and administrative framework, striving to enhance the capabilities and legal aspects of AI and other frontier technologies in Saudi Arabia.
Objectives and Goals
A key focus of the center will be to promote AI ethics, raise awareness about the technology, develop policy recommendations, and create programs for technical upskilling. This initiative aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, aiming to harmonize technological growth with ethical standards.
The establishment of this center is more than a national initiative; it’s a regional milestone. It symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping technology policies in the Gulf region, balancing the rapid growth of AI with ethical considerations. This move is expected to have a far-reaching impact, setting a precedent for AI development and governance in neighboring countries.