More than 60 countries join Saudi, UNESCO calls for ethical AI

Saudi Arabia, UNESCO and the International Centre for AI Research and Ethics have called for stronger international action to ensure artificial intelligence is developed and used safely and ethically.

The organisations issued a joint statement after a high-level ministerial meeting held during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh.

They called for investment in infrastructure, stronger institutional capacity, better information technology skills and greater knowledge exchange.

The statement said co-operation between governments, international organisations, universities, the private sector and civil society was necessary to address challenges that cross national borders.

It also called for international co-operation, dialogue between cultures and mutual learning as technology develops and global conditions become more complex.

Ministers and senior officials from more than 60 countries attended the meeting and discussed the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.

Participants agreed that closer international co-operation was needed to ensure the development, deployment and use of AI supported human well-being, sustainable development and the wider public interest.

They said multilateral action could give more groups a role in designing and governing AI systems, with particular attention to the participation of women and young people.

The meeting also focused on the needs of developing countries, particularly African nations, and called for action to reduce international gaps in AI infrastructure, expertise and institutional capacity.

Participants supported continued use of UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a central guide for governments and organisations.

They said the framework could help countries develop AI safely and sustainably while protecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and human welfare.