At the opening of the 19th session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom announced the “Riyadh Declaration,” aimed at fostering global digital cooperation. The forum brings together governments, private sector representatives, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and innovators to promote digital collaboration worldwide.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, credited the declaration’s success to the support of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh Declaration highlights the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing its role in enhancing digital access, knowledge, and addressing global challenges while unlocking significant economic value. The declaration calls for AI technologies to be used for increasing digital accessibility and literacy, promoting sustainable development, protecting the environment, improving public health, and fostering economic inclusion.
Alswaha highlighted that the Kingdom, under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince, has adopted a proactive approach to AI, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He stressed that the Kingdom is committed to leading global AI transformation by example.
The Kingdom is also focused on addressing challenges such as unequal access to algorithms, data, and computing resources. Saudi Arabia aims to enhance the fairness and reliability of AI algorithms, ensuring that they minimize errors and negative consequences for individuals and societies. Additionally, the Kingdom prioritizes inclusivity in AI design and use, advocating for responsible and secure data practices to harness AI’s potential for societal benefit.