Saudi Arabia to host high-level UN AI governance event
First high-level UN debate on AI governance takes place Tuesday at UNGA
#SaudiArabia #governance - Saudi Arabia will co-host the high-level event on AI Governance during the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York, partnering with the Republic of Kenya and the UN. The UN will officially launch the first Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance on Tuesday, scheduled to take place in 2026, and host a series of events, debates and discussions on global AI governance during the week. Organised by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and partners, the event will bring together a wide range of international stakeholders, reflecting the growing global interest in AI amid rapid technological transformation worldwide. Saudi Arabia has become a key player in shaping global AI policy frameworks whilst advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
SO WHAT? - The latest Saudi-supported AI event at the United Nations in New York reconfirms the Kingdom’s increasingly high--profile role in shaping global AI policies. The government has partnered with multiple global NGOs, the United Nations and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) towards the development of inclusive, responsible AI and global guardrails for the fast-growing technologies. SDAIA recently played a key role in developing the world's first international report on AI safety, created in collaboration with 30 countries, the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. So, we can expect Saudi Arabia to continue to play a role in plans for the UN’s Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance scheduled for next year.
Here are some key details about plans for Saudi Arabia’s high-level UN event;
Saudi Arabia will co-host the high-level event on AI Governance during the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York, led by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and in partnership with with the Republic of Kenya and the UN.
The UN will launch the first Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance on Tuesday September 23rd. The Global Dialogue is planned for 2026 to shape global policy on inclusive and accountable AI governance frameworks for international cooperation.
SDAIA Vice President Engineer Sami bin Abdullah Moquim leads the Saudi delegation, which includes strategic, technical, and development experts representing the Kingdom's AI expertise.
Saudi participation in the Global Dialogue launch week includes sessions on AI for public good applications in security and accessibility, localising the Global Digital Charter, and leveraging AI for inclusive digital economy development.
Saudi Arabia aims to leverage the international engagement to reinforce the Kingdom's position as a trusted global partner in developing ethical standards and regulatory frameworks for emerging AI technologies.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to utilise the Kingdom's technological capabilities for global humanitarian benefit whilst building sustainable prosperity.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as Chairman of SDAIA's Board of Directors, providing high-level political support for the Kingdom's international AI governance leadership role.
ZOOM OUT - The launch the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance builds on the recent formation of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, announced by the UN General Assembly in August. The panel was tasked with providing evidence-based assessments on AI opportunities and risks. The 40-member scientific body, mandated for three years under Secretary-General António Guterres, will facilitate the annual Global Dialogues starting with a Geneva summit in 2026. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an early influencer within the new UN AI governance framework.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]