Saudi Arabia And Kenya Promote Global AI Capacity-Building Initiative At UNGA Event

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) recently hosted a significant event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The gathering, titled "Empowering Nations for Inclusive Prosperity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence," was supported by the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies. This initiative aims to foster global collaboration in AI capacity-building.

Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kenya, China, Trinidad, India, and Kazakhstan, have shown interest in establishing AI capacity-building centers. These centers will be part of a network supported by the United Nations. The network will facilitate cooperation and resource sharing among member states, universities, corporations, and other stakeholders. This effort seeks to enhance skills and innovation access for developing nations with emerging AI ecosystems.

The proposal includes creating a global network of AI capacity-building centers to advance this vision. The under-secretary-general and special envoy for digital technologies invited member states to consider establishing these centers. They would be part of a United Nations-supported network that encourages coordination and contributions from various sectors.

Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) Vice President Sami Muqeem emphasised the importance of action over abstract principles. He stated: "Our discussion today is not about abstract principles, but about action: building skills, expanding education, ensuring fair access to innovation, and embedding ethics and inclusivity into all we do. Let us commit to advancing artificial intelligence responsibly—not for the benefit of a few, but to equip all people and all nations with the capacities they need to thrive in the digital era."

The private sector and academia are also committed to this initiative. Organisations like WorldQuant University, Cisco, and Oracle plan to collaborate with the network. They aim to provide skills training across governments, universities, small enterprises (SMEs), and civil society groups.

Kenyan Special Envoy for Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo highlighted the importance of capacity-building for safe AI adoption. He said: "Capacity-building is crucial for the safe and responsible adoption of AI. We need collaborations to strengthen institutional readiness and close the AI divide in the Global South. We are committed to working with all stakeholders, with the support of the UN, to establish and grow these Centers of Excellence that can boost AI capacity in developing countries."

Potential Contributors Identified

Several institutions have been identified as potential contributors to this network. These include ICAIRE in Saudi Arabia; Fudan University's Center for Global AI Innovative Governance in China; Kenya's African Institute for Capacity Development; India's Indian Institute of Technology Madras; Kazakhstan's upcoming International Center for Artificial Intelligence; and the University of the West Indies Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center serving five Caribbean countries.

This meeting serves as a foundation for drafting a charter that will guide this network's operations by February 2026 at the AI Impact Summit. The establishment of these centers represents a step toward enhancing international cooperation in responsible innovation.

The initiative aims to expand opportunities for inclusive capacity-building in artificial intelligence globally. It underscores a commitment to equipping all nations with necessary digital era capabilities while promoting ethical practices.

With inputs from SPA