Saudi Arabia proclaimed the Riyadh Declaration during the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), held from December 15 to 19, 2024, in Riyadh. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, aims to promote an inclusive, innovative artificial intelligence (AI) with a positive impact for all.
Objectives of the Riyadh Declaration:
- Digital accessibility: Increase access to digital technologies and improve digital literacy by reducing inequalities in access to computing resources.
- Sustainable development: Use AI to promote sustainable practices, protect the environment, and combat climate change.
- Public health: Improve healthcare systems through AI by optimizing diagnostics and medical services.
- Economic inclusion: Foster global economic inclusion by using AI to create equitable opportunities.
- Algorithmic equity: Ensure algorithm transparency and minimize bias to avoid negative consequences for individuals and societies.
This declaration is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in the field of AI and data technologies. Since the adoption of the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI) in October 2020, the country has made significant progress, notably by training more than 38,000 graduates in this field since 2019 and increasing the number of qualified AI professionals by 51% per year between 2018 and 2022.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in data infrastructure, with 22 active data centers and 40 under development, as well as 10 supercomputers, eight of which are among the 500 most powerful in the world. These investments aim to support the development of AI and strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the international stage.
However, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Internet Governance Forum has sparked criticism from human rights organizations. They point out that, despite technological advancements, the country continues to restrict online freedom of expression and imprison critics, which contrasts with the principles of open and inclusive governance promoted during the forum.
In conclusion, the Riyadh Declaration represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. However, the implementation of these principles will require a balanced approach, reconciling technological innovation with respect for fundamental rights, to truly achieve the ambitions of Vision 2030.
