12/16/2024

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

Today, at the beginning of the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), hosted here and organized by the UN, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the "Riyadh Declaration".
The forum aims at promoting digital cooperation between governments, the private sector, the non-profit sector, entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said the declaration was made possible with the support of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
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 HRH 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.
To view the full text of the Riyadh Declaration, visit the following link:
https://www.mcit.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2024-12/Riyadh%20Ai%20declaration%20E.pdf