UNESCO’s Fourth Global Forum on AI Ethics Comes to Riyadh
Riyadh will host the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, organised by SDAIA and UNESCO from September 14 to 17, 2026, with registration open to the public, media and representatives of international organisations.
Date: September 14 to 17, 2026
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Who it is for: Policymakers, academics and researchers, representatives of international organisations, and professionals working on AI governance and compliance in the public and private sectors.
Cost: Not disclosed on the registration page. Registration is open through three routes: the public, media, and representatives of international organisations.
Why attend: The fourth edition is organised by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, known as SDAIA, in partnership with UNESCO and in collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, ICAIRE. The invitation extends to 194 member states. The official website lists a programme of seven ministerial dialogues and plenary sessions, 21 specialised panel discussions, a scientific briefing and a closed ministerial meeting. The forum is one of the few platforms where AI ethics principles are turned into applicable governance frameworks. Holding it in Riyadh means the region’s decision makers are in the room, not outside it. If your work touches policy, compliance or regulation, this is an opportunity to read the direction of the rules before they are issued.