Saudi, China Support AI Ethics And Women Empowerment In Riyadh

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh welcomed two important guests: Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The visit showed the strong cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in the field of artificial intelligence and highlighted the global importance of ethical AI development.

Role Of ICAIRE

ICAIRE is a UNESCO-affiliated institution that works on promoting the safe, fair, and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Based in Riyadh, the center plays a global role by encouraging research, creating policies, and building awareness about AI ethics. Its mission is not only to advance AI technologies but also to make sure that these technologies benefit humanity in a safe and inclusive way.

Reviewing Ongoing Work

During the visit, Dr. Alghamdi carefully reviewed the progress of the center’s projects. He observed how ICAIRE has been working on international programs that promote AI ethics, support global cooperation, and empower women. His presence emphasized Saudi Arabia’s leadership in supporting the responsible use of artificial intelligence and its alignment with global standards.

Women Empowerment Through AI

One of the major topics discussed during the visit was women empowerment. ICAIRE is running an important program called the Elevate Initiative. This initiative has a very ambitious goal: to empower 25,000 women across the world in the field of artificial intelligence. The program will help women learn about advanced AI technologies and prepare them for future jobs. This makes technology more inclusive and provides equal opportunities for women to succeed in a rapidly changing digital world.

Presentation By ICAIRE Leadership

Abdulrahman Habib, the acting Managing Director of ICAIRE, gave a detailed presentation about the center’s efforts. He explained how the Elevate Initiative is inspiring women and making AI accessible to them. Habib also stressed that the initiative serves as a global model of how technology can be used not just for innovation but also for inclusiveness, fairness, and empowerment.

Four Main Pillars Of ICAIRE

The center’s activities are guided by four strong pillars that shape all of its projects.

1. Supporting research and development in artificial intelligence.

2. Raising awareness about AI ethics and its importance for society.

3. Building and enhancing capabilities by training people to use AI responsibly.

4. Developing policies and recommendations that can guide countries in adopting AI safely and fairly.

These pillars ensure that ICAIRE’s work is comprehensive and impactful at both local and international levels.

Organizing International AI Olympiad

Habib also spoke about ICAIRE’s role in organizing the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IAIO). This event is designed to bring together students, researchers, and young innovators from around the world to showcase their knowledge and creativity in AI. It creates a platform where new ideas can be shared, and global talent can be recognized, further building a strong community of AI learners.

Launching Global Research Initiative

Another major achievement shared during the visit was ICAIRE’s first global research initiative. This initiative connects researchers worldwide, allowing them to collaborate and publish impactful studies in leading scientific platforms. Such efforts strengthen international cooperation in AI research and ensure that the knowledge created benefits people everywhere.

Regional And International Collaborations

The center has also been very active in organizing events in collaboration with Arab and regional organizations. These events aim to spread awareness about AI, provide training, and encourage discussions about the responsible use of technology. By working with regional partners, ICAIRE ensures that knowledge is shared widely and effectively across different countries.

Support To Saudi Arabia

ICAIRE has also played an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s use of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology. This tool helps countries measure how prepared they are to adopt AI technologies while keeping ethical standards in place. By applying this methodology, Saudi Arabia shows its commitment to becoming a leader in responsible AI.

Working With The United Nations

Habib also highlighted the center’s close engagement with the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration gives ICAIRE a global platform to contribute ideas and recommendations that can shape international policies. Being part of such a respected UN body shows the recognition of ICAIRE’s role in advancing ethical AI worldwide.

Global Mission For Ethical AI

Overall, the mission of ICAIRE is to support countries in creating safe and fair frameworks for artificial intelligence. Its work is not limited to Saudi Arabia or the Arab region but extends across the globe. The center is committed to ensuring that AI technology develops in a way that respects ethics, protects people’s rights, and creates opportunities for everyone.

Importance Of Saudi-China Cooperation

The presence of both SDAIA’s President and the Chinese Ambassador during the visit reflects the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and China in the technology sector. Both countries are investing heavily in AI, and through ICAIRE, they aim to promote responsible practices. This cooperation is important not only for bilateral relations but also for shaping global standards in AI ethics.

Empowerment As A Key Message

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the focus on empowering women. The Elevate Initiative shows that AI is not just about machines and data but also about people and opportunities. Training and empowering 25,000 women worldwide sends a strong message about inclusiveness in technology. It ensures that women will have the skills to take part in the digital economy and contribute to future innovations.

The visit of Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi and Ambassador Chang Hua to ICAIRE in Riyadh showed the importance of international cooperation in AI. It highlighted the efforts of ICAIRE to promote ethics, empower women, and build global networks of researchers. Guided by its four pillars, ICAIRE continues to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence, ensuring that the future of technology is inclusive, safe, and beneficial for all.

AI ethics research, Women empowerment initiative, Saudi China cooperation