TLDR: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has been appointed as the Chair of the Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities (GNAIS) under UNESCO. This appointment, announced on October 20, 2025, signifies international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing AI ethics and governance, fostering global cooperation, and aligning with its Vision 2030 goals for responsible AI development.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – October 20, 2025 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has achieved a significant international milestone by being appointed as the Chair of the Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities (GNAIS). This high-level international network operates under the esteemed auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The announcement was made during a pivotal meeting held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, which saw the participation of representatives from 25 international supervisory bodies dedicated to advancing AI ethics and governance.
This appointment underscores UNESCO’s acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s proactive and substantial efforts in developing robust AI governance and ethical frameworks, not only domestically but also on a regional and global scale. The Kingdom’s leadership of GNAIS, coordinated with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, further highlights its commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030), particularly those focused on promoting the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence worldwide.
The establishment of GNAIS aims to strengthen international cooperation among AI oversight authorities. It will serve as a crucial platform for facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among member states and organizations. Through these collaborative initiatives, the network endeavors to empower member countries to effectively navigate the rapid pace of technological transformation and ensure that the development and deployment of AI technologies adhere to the highest ethical standards.
This latest achievement aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, which envisions positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in data-driven economies and artificial intelligence innovation. Saudi Arabia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ethical AI principles, aligning with UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations, which were supported by 193 countries in November 2021. The Kingdom has taken a leading role in establishing principles and frameworks that govern the ethical use of AI in relation to human values.
Previous engagements highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the AI domain. In September 2025, SDAIA officially joined GNAIS, marking a significant step in strengthening its international position in AI and its active role in shaping global AI policies. Furthermore, the Kingdom hosts the UNESCO-affiliated International Centre for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh, which has been recognized as a Category 2 international center. SDAIA has also trained over 700,000 Saudi men and women in artificial intelligence since 2020, aiming to equip 40% of the workforce with necessary AI skills.
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Saudi Arabia’s appointment as Chair of GNAIS represents another vital step in its journey towards global leadership in AI ethics, governance, and responsible innovation, solidifying its role as a trusted international partner in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
