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World AI Summit calls for global action to ensure AI innovation serves humanity
Posted On 16 Sep 2024
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The Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh concluded on a high note, after the summit hosted over 30,000 delegates from around the world over three days. The live stream of the summit, hosted by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), was viewed 3.7 million times.
Building on the success of previous editions, GAIN 2024 welcomed over 450 speakers from 100 countries, participating in 150 sessions. It also hosted over 25 launches and announcements, and saw the signing of over 80 agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The summit has grown exponentially since its inception in 2020. Its growing importance reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing AI capabilities as it positions itself as a global leader in the field.
The main outcome of the summit was the need for governments and policymakers to take action globally to ensure that AI technology evolves for the good of humanity. An ethical framework and strong governance are at the heart of responsible evolution.
To support the advancement of AI ethics and governance, SDAIA announced the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World, in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). It aims to promote ethical artificial intelligence based on Islamic values and principles, as well as sustainable development through international cooperation.
SDAIA has played a central role in establishing key collaborations to strengthen local and regional AI solutions, signing MoUs with Microsoft Arabia to develop Arabic language models, IBM for a center of excellence in generative AI technologies, and NVIDIA to scale AI infrastructure across the Kingdom.
The summit also marked several important milestones. In addition to the presentation of ALLaM, the world’s most advanced Arabic language model, other various initiatives such as the Global AI Community, the THAKAI platform, and the Deepfake Technology Guidelines were presented.
Furthermore, the launch of the Centre of Excellence in Generative AI by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the agreement to open an International Centre for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) as a UNESCO Category 2 centre, further highlighted the impact of GAIN 2024.
The summit itself saw companies from around the world showcase the latest AI technologies and innovations, including AI-generated avatars, AI-generated artwork, and even robotic bar staff serving drinks.
The summit closed with an inspiring speech by the Director of the National Information Center of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Esam Alwagait, who thanked the participants:
“Your authentic perspectives have not only inspired us with a vision of what lies ahead, but have also grounded us in the realities we face. Together, we have not only imagined the future of AI, but also made it a reality by addressing the challenges and identifying the enablers needed to realize its full potential.”
And to add:
“It was exciting to see the world come together here in Riyadh, united by the desire to make AI work for all. The commitment to concerted action was evident throughout the summit.”
The success of GAIN 2024 ensures that the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure will be significantly strengthened and has anchored Saudi Arabia at the centre of the global AI stage.
