Saudi Arabia reveals Riyadh Declaration for inclusive AI
IGF 2024 opens with bold AI governance principles announcement
#SaudiArabia #AI - Saudi Arabia today announced the Riyadh Declaration at the start of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024, hosted by the United Nations in Riyadh. Backed by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the declaration emphasises inclusive, innovative, and impactful artificial intelligence. It seeks to expand digital access, promote sustainability, and address global challenges. The declaration also highlights AI's role in improving digital literacy, fostering economic inclusion, protecting the environment, and enhancing public health. Saudi Arabia reaffirms its Vision 2030 commitment to lead global AI transformation.
SO WHAT? - The Riyadh Declaration sets a strategic framework for using AI as a tool to bridge digital divides, support global sustainability goals, and foster international AI governance. As nations race to balance innovation with regulation, Saudi Arabia is one country that has stepped forward seeking a role as a global advocate for equitable AI advancements. Its proactive approach positions it as one of the key voices in helping to shape equitable AI systems for a digital future.
Here are the key details about the announcement:
His Excellency Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, announced the Riyadh Declaration at the beginning of The Internet Governance Forum 2024, being held in Riyadh from 15-19 December. The annual UN-led platform for global collaboration on Internet governance.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration calls for the leveraging of AI to address global challenges such as economic inequality, environmental protection, and healthcare access.
The declaration emphasises increasing digital accessibility and literacy, particularly for marginalised communities.
The IGF 2024 theme, "Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future," underlines a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
AI’s transformative potential includes advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering global economic inclusion.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership promotes the need for robust AI governance frameworks to manage risks and ensure ethical AI deployment.
ZOOM OUT - Globally, artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as both an enabler of economic growth and a solution to pressing societal challenges. However, there is also a real danger that AI could rapidly widen, not decrease, the digital divide. Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Declaration aligns with a broader international focus on ethical AI governance and management of the global impact of AI.