The Saudi Cabinet's approval on Tuesday of the Statute of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) establishes the legal and regulatory framework for the UNESCO-sponsored center, which is headquartered in Riyadh.
Following the Cabinet's approval during its latest session, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), said the authority is working closely with ICAIRE to advance its development objectives.
These include supporting artificial intelligence research and development, promoting awareness and dialogue on AI ethics, and providing recommendations on AI policy. The partnership also aims to strengthen global AI capacity-building efforts in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO's priorities.
Alghamdi also praised the Saudi leadership's continued support for the Kingdom's international efforts to advance responsible AI worldwide, describing the Cabinet's decision as a significant step toward strengthening ICAIRE's work in AI research, ethics awareness, capacity building, global AI policymaking, and cooperation with international organizations and institutions to promote AI ethics.
What is ICAIRE?
According to official sources, the decision to establish ICAIRE was issued in July 2023. A trilateral agreement between the Saudi government, UNESCO, and ICAIRE was subsequently signed during the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh in September 2024.
At UNESCO's 42nd General Conference, Saudi Arabia was selected to lead the global AI ethics agenda after member states approved granting ICAIRE the status of an international center under the auspices of UNESCO. It became the world's first UNESCO Category 2 international center dedicated to AI ethics.
Operating as a UNESCO Category 2 Center based in Riyadh, ICAIRE has focused on translating theoretical ethical frameworks and policies into practical mechanisms and concrete initiatives in collaboration with UNESCO member states. Its mission is to promote the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Building Responsible AI Since 2023
Since beginning operations in mid-2023, ICAIRE has worked to strengthen international cooperation in AI ethics research, advance knowledge development, support policymaking, build institutional capacity, and reinforce governance and ethical principles. These efforts aim to encourage the responsible use of AI technologies, enable countries to pursue responsible innovation, and foster the development of ethical AI that benefits societies worldwide.
Four Core Areas of Work
ICAIRE's activities are built around four principal areas: advancing AI research and development; promoting awareness and understanding of AI ethics; building AI skills and institutional capacity while developing AI policy recommendations; and expanding international cooperation and knowledge exchange with universities and research institutions worldwide.
The center seeks to transform scientific knowledge into practical tools, policies, and applications that serve communities across the globe.
ICAIRE also plays a central role in supporting implementation of UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by providing an international platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, conducting research, organizing training programs, strengthening scientific cooperation, and helping countries develop national capabilities as well as policies and regulatory frameworks for responsible AI.
The center is also a key contributor to advancing the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and UNESCO's strategic priorities.
Its activities directly support eight Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, women's empowerment, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reducing knowledge inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and global partnerships for sustainable development.
ICAIRE has launched several flagship international initiatives, including ELEVATE, a program to empower women in artificial intelligence; the International AI Olympiad; and a Multilingual Data and AI Lexicon. The center also delivers international capacity-building programs and specialized workshops on AI ethics.
In addition, ICAIRE has expanded its global presence through participation in United Nations activities in Geneva, contributions to international AI governance and ethics initiatives, partnerships with international organizations and academic and research institutions, and efforts to support researchers, experts, and policymakers working on advanced technologies.
The center also promotes multilingual scientific content and knowledge exchange through international partnerships, helping expand global expertise in AI ethics.
