NEW YORK: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha has stressed that the leadership of Saudi Arabia presents a model of international cooperation to bridge social, economic and AI gaps, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
He made the remarks at the summit of the Future session titled “Toward a Common Digital Future” in New York. He highlighted the achievements of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Alswaha noted that the Kingdom has collaborated with the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, to carry out a study on how to bridge the digital divide, in view of the fact that 2.6 billion people lack access to digital solutions.
He noted Saudi Arabia launched the virtual hospital as a pioneering model in healthcare and performed numerous specialized surgeries, including open-heart operations on patients in various countries.
The minister added the Kingdom, is proud of the growth of its digital economy; it had proposed the establishment of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) to bridge gaps and serve over 800 million people.
Alswaha said through its membership in the AI Advisory Body, led by the UN secretary-general, Saudi Arabia is contributing to bridging social, economic and AI gaps, shaping the future of humanity and empowering individuals.
The minister added, Saudi Arabia presented seven recommendations, among which, to establish an independent international scientific committee focused on AI, launch a multi-government dialogue on AI governance involving stakeholders, create a platform for sharing standards and experience related to AI, and building a global network for capacity development.
“To enhance joint efforts and exchange experience, the Kingdom is proud to announce its framework for AI governance in partnership with the UN, the establishment of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in partnership with UNESCO, and the launching of the AI Readiness Framework in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union,” the minister said.
