Saudi Arabia to Host Fourth UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI in September

Riyadh - Saudi Arabia will host the Fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 14 to 17 September 2026, reaffirming the Kingdom’s growing leadership in shaping global AI governance. The event will take place in Riyadh and is co hosted by UNESCO and the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). 

The forum is one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to the ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence. It will bring together policymakers, global experts, academics, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector to discuss emerging challenges, regulatory frameworks, and the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI — the only globally agreed normative instrument in the field. 

Saudi officials highlighted that hosting the forum reflects international confidence in the Kingdom’s rapidly advancing AI ecosystem and its commitment to responsible innovation. The event also marks the fifth anniversary of the adoption of UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendation, offering an opportunity to assess global progress and chart future directions for ethical AI governance. 

Registration for the forum has already opened, with organizers expecting participation from a distinguished group of decision makers, researchers, and industry leaders. The program will feature high level dialogues, expert panels, and a dedicated research workshop inviting scholars to present new insights on AI ethics. 

The 2026 edition continues UNESCO’s mission to ensure that technological advancement aligns with human rights, transparency, and societal well being — a priority increasingly shared across the global AI community.