Saudi Data And AI Authority Showcases Role In Advancing Global AI Readiness Framework At Workshop In South Africa

The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering global collaboration in developing the AI Readiness Report. This initiative is in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). SDAIA made this announcement during its participation in the fourth workshop on the AI Readiness Report, part of the AI for Good Impact Africa event in Johannesburg, South Africa.

SDAIA's involvement in this workshop is a continuation of its efforts to promote Saudi Arabia's leadership in artificial intelligence. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create a vibrant digital economy based on knowledge and innovation. The vision also seeks to leverage modern technologies for the benefit of humanity.

The AI Readiness Framework, developed by SDAIA and ITU, is a globally recognized model. It assists countries in evaluating their readiness for AI and promotes international cooperation in this field. The framework was first introduced during the third Global AI Summit held by SDAIA in Riyadh in September 2024.

During her speech at the workshop, Marwa Alfattani from SDAIA emphasized the strong partnership between Saudi Arabia and ITU. She noted that this collaboration began in 2022 with a memorandum of understanding. This led to initiatives like the AI Readiness Plugfest and joint programs to build institutional AI capabilities worldwide.

Significant achievements have been made through this partnership, including launching the Global AI Readiness Report in Geneva in 2024. Additionally, the final version of the AI Readiness Framework was unveiled at the GAIN Summit in Riyadh that same year. The summit provided a platform for sharing expertise and enhancing cooperation on AI policies and practices.

SDAIA's ongoing participation highlights Saudi Arabia's dedication to maintaining its prominent role in artificial intelligence on an international scale. This effort supports building a thriving digital economy as envisioned by Saudi Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA