Saudi Arabia Announces Riyadh Declaration for Inclusive, Innovative and Impactful AI for all

The 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) - SPA
The 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Announces Riyadh Declaration for Inclusive, Innovative and Impactful AI for all

The 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) - SPA
The 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the "Riyadh Declaration" on Monday, at the beginning of the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The event was hosted in Riyadh and organized by the UN.
The forum aims at promoting digital cooperation between governments, the private sector, the non-profit sector, entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide.
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said the declaration was made possible with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, SPA reported.
The declaration focuses on AI with its inclusive, innovative and impactful dimension, and emphasizes the need for use of AI technologies to enable digital access and enhance digital knowledge, as well as address global challenges and unleash global economic value.
The declaration also emphasizes the AI role in increasing digital accessibility and digital literacy, promoting sustainable development, protecting environment, improving public health, and boosting economic inclusion.
Alswaha also pointed out that the Kingdom, under the leadership of the Crown Prince, has adopted a proactive approach in the field of AI, and stressed that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is clear and based on the commitment to lead the global transformation in this field by example.
Alswaha said the Kingdom is committed to addressing key challenges such as unequal access to algorithms, data, and computing resources. It is working to enhance the fairness and reliability of AI algorithms, minimizing errors that could have negative consequences for individuals or societies. The Kingdom also prioritizes inclusivity in the design and use of AI technologies, and emphasizes the importance of responsible and safe data practices, aiming to harness the power of data for the betterment of society.



ImpaQ Forum Kicks off in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and other officials are seen at the opening of the event in Diriyah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and other officials are seen at the opening of the event in Diriyah. (SPA)
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ImpaQ Forum Kicks off in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and other officials are seen at the opening of the event in Diriyah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and other officials are seen at the opening of the event in Diriyah. (SPA)

Under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, the Impact Makers Forum (ImpaQ) kicked off in Diriyah on Wednesday, attracting a host of influencers, experts and content creators from around the world.

The opening ceremony featured a modern theatrical performance titled "The Butterfly Effect," celebrating the forum's message and its significance in various fields of influence.

In an opening speech to over 1,500 guests at the Diriyah Arena, Al-Dossary emphasized the growing role of influencers, highlighting the importance of leveraging this influence to foster creativity and innovation and to stimulate community and economic development.

"The Kingdom's Vision 2030, led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is a vision that has inspired the world and created impact," he stated.

"Influence can be a single word from a passerby that might forever change someone's life for the better. It could come from a street vendor striving to provide for his children, a loving father, or a great mother who performs miracles to instill values in her children," he remarked.

"Influence is not confined to platforms and screens alone. Look around you at work, in your club, in your neighborhood, at home, and you will see who has shaped your personality and life. ImpaQ celebrates them and all of you," stressed the minister.

The Impact Makers Forum, the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, is being held on a 23,000-square-meter venue and includes three main areas: "Innovation Space" hosting panel discussions and major events, "Impact Space" where influencers share their inspirational experiences, and "Lab Space" for creative and technical workshops.

The two-day forum features over 40 diverse activities across 14 areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism and culture. The event will attract over 30,000 visitors, making it a leading platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing success stories in various fields of influence.

The forum also allows international influencers through special tours organized in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority, aiming to highlight Saudi Arabia's uniqueness and appeal. The opening ceremony was digitally streamed to over one million viewers.

The forum features a diverse and engaging agenda, including panel discussions and workshops, while fostering substantial interaction among participants and attendees. This dynamic atmosphere underscores the Kingdom's role as a global hub for inspiration and innovation in the area of influence.