With over 6,300 participants and more than 50 Member States delegations, the 4th Global Forum on the Ethics of AI brought together governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector around a shared vision to harness global cooperation to drive impact that benefits all. Under the theme “Transforming global cooperation for ethical AI governance”, the Forum highlighted progress since the adoption of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI in 2021, from translating ethical principles into policies and strengthening institutional capacity to developing practical tools and guidance, looking ahead to the next phase of implementation.
Building on the previous Global Forums in Prague, Kranj, and Bangkok, the 4th Global Forum celebrated five years since the adoption of UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. UNESCO and partners took stock of progress in implementing the Recommendation through the RAM process, examining institutional, technical, and financial considerations, while looking ahead to its role in guiding the next phase of ethical AI governance.
Five years ago, UNESCO’s Member States agreed that AI must serve humanity and the public good. I am very hopeful that this conference here in Riyadh will take the next step towards implementation at scale.
Åsa Regnér, Deputy Director-General, UNESCO
First Global Forum in the region
Marking the first Global Forum to be held in the Gulf region, the 2026 edition of the Forum brought global conversation on AI ethics to a region playing an increasingly important role in the development and governance of artificial intelligence. Held during Saudi Arabia’s Global AI Year, the Global Forum provided a platform to connect high-level ethical reflection with technological innovation and practical governance.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this Global Forum in Riyadh comes at a critical moment, as technology leaders increasingly raise concerns about the rapid pace of advanced AI development and call for safeguards and governance to keep pace with technological capabilities. In light of these developments, the Forum provides an important platform for countries and experts to strengthen international cooperation, exchange expertise, and translate shared principles of AI ethics into practical approaches that enable responsible progress for the benefit of humanity.
H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority, SDAIA, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Global Forum also placed a strong emphasis on the continuity of translating ethical principles into practical tools for more responsible AI governance, including the launch of new tools and resources tailor-made to guide and support Member States:
