Global AI Summit 2024: Innovations and Governance in Riyadh

The Global AI Summit (GAIN) took place in Riyadh on September 12, 2024, focusing on critical themes surrounding artificial intelligence, including innovation, governance, and its societal impact. The event commenced with a keynote address by Antony Cook, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, who underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive framework to promote responsible AI usage. His insights set the tone for discussions throughout the day, emphasizing the ethical implications of AI technologies. A high-level panel discussion followed, featuring industry leaders such as Priya Nagpurkar from IBM Research and Alan Qi from Huawei Cloud. The panelists deliberated on the necessity of establishing a global AI governance code, aligning with the summit's overarching theme of utilizing AI for the benefit of humanity. They highlighted the importance of balancing the advantages and risks associated with AI technologies. Significant announcements were made during the summit, including a Memorandum of Understanding between SDAIA and Huawei to develop ICT and AI talent in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence was unveiled, aiming to promote ethical AI aligned with Islamic values and sustainable development. The summit concluded with the launch of guidelines for the responsible use of deepfake technologies and a partnership with Pearson to enhance digital talent in the region. These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing innovation and supporting its Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.