The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has entered a significant partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to champion the adoption of the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence. The cooperation agreement, signed at SDAIA’s headquarters in Riyadh, marks a pivotal step towards establishing a unified AI governance model across 53 Islamic nations.
The accord was officially signed by SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim Al-Malik.
A Unified Framework for Ethical AI
The core objective of this partnership is to create a cohesive and ethical framework for AI governance throughout ICESCO’s member states. By promoting the principles of the Riyadh Charter, the initiative aims to foster responsible AI practices, encourage sustainable innovation, and collectively address the challenges associated with the deployment of advanced AI technologies.
Key principles outlined in the charter include integrity and fairness, privacy and security, reliability and safety, transparency and explicability, accountability and responsibility, humanitarian values, and ensuring social and environmental benefits.
Fostering AI Skills and Capacity Building
Beyond governance, the collaboration will focus heavily on human capital development. Joint initiatives will be launched to enhance AI knowledge and skills within ICESCO member states. This includes building specialized national capacities in artificial intelligence and its related fields, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped to navigate the future of technology.
The program is designed to empower member states to adopt AI in a manner that is both technologically advanced and aligned with their unique cultural values and responsible governance standards.
A Vision Aligned with Islamic Values
The Riyadh Charter is positioned as a foundational document for the region’s technological future, balancing progress with principle.
Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Center, emphasized this vision, stating that the charter provides a unified governance framework rooted in a humanitarian and forward-looking perspective. He noted that its principles align with the civilizational and cultural values of the Islamic world while supporting member states’ efforts to leverage AI for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
About The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is the competent authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for the national strategy and agenda for data and AI. As the national reference in all matters related to the organization, development, and handling of data and artificial intelligence, SDAIA is central to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Source: MEA TechWatch
