The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to host the forthcoming edition of the UNESCO global forum on ethics of Artificial Intelligence, (GFEAI 2026).
The forum, which has been scheduled for September 14 to 17, 2026 is expected to bring together ministers responsible for technology and artificial intelligence from UNESCO Member States, policymakers, leaders of major global companies, and representatives of international organizations.
The Forum is being organized in partnership with the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), under the auspices of UNESCO, and in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The forum aimed at driving global efforts to support the implementation of its recommendations on the ethics of artificial intelligence, strengthen AI governance, and advance the responsible use of AI.
Over the course of four days, the Forum is expected to address a number of key themes, including AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation, and international policies.
The forum is also expected to showcase the latest global initiatives and best practices in this field through high-level sessions and specialized workshops that bring together leading experts and policymakers from across the globe.
This is coming at a time where there is a global consensus that “AI Ethics” is no longer simply a matter of regulation but has become both a fundamental pillar and an urgent international imperative for harnessing advanced technologies to benefit humanity as a whole while preserving human values and achievements worldwide.
World leaders recognize the immense potential of artificial intelligence to deliver far-reaching benefits to humanity. At the same time, key concerns must be carefully addressed to ensure the responsible use of these technologies and effectively tackle the challenges they pose, including biases that may result in discrimination and deepen inequalities among communities worldwide.
These concerns are reflected in UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by its Member States in 2021, which emphasizes the need to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI technologies while safeguarding human dignity and fundamental rights.
Interested participants are expected to register one: https://registration-gfeai.icaire.org/en/join.
The UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is one of the world’s leading international forums on AI ethics. The international community is looking to this edition for outcomes that can help shape international policies to ensure the equitable and responsible use of artificial intelligence, bridge the digital gap between countries, support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and promote prosperity across societies worldwide.
