Riyadh Hosts UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics with Participation from 194 Countries

Riyadh will host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) from September 14 to 17, bringing together a broad international community representing 194 countries. The forum will convene decision-makers, experts, academics, and representatives of international organizations, as well as public- and private-sector leaders from around the world. GFEAI 2026 is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO, and in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday. GFEAI is one of the international platforms focused on AI ethics. The 2026 edition aims to strengthen global dialogue on responsible AI governance, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and explore ways to harness AI technologies to support sustainable development and promote societal prosperity. Over four days, GFEAI 2026 is set to address key topics including AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation and international policies, through high-level sessions and specialized workshops, bringing together experts and policymakers from around the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of GFEAI 2026 reflects its continued efforts to support the principles of AI ethics and strengthen AI governance at both the national and international levels, support multilateral cooperation in developing frameworks for the responsible and trustworthy use of emerging technologies, align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthen the Kingdom’s contribution to shaping the future of AI globally.