The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to support global cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The MoU will also see the development of an internationally-recognized system for countries to mobilize resources, providing assistance for official agencies that want to adopt AI technologies, and accreditation to meet economic requirements. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority, and Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, during the landmark "Global AI Summit" held on October 21-22, 2020. The summit is organized by SDAIA and is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense. His Excellency Dr. Alghamdi expressed his pleasure to cooperate with the international agency and provide valuable insights into the development of AI technologies, while also supporting the ITU in defining the methodology of artificial intelligence. His Excellency explained that the MoU will pave the way to conduct key studies to boost independence and credibility, and gain a new understanding of the future role of that artificial intelligence in institutional reforms. His Excellency Dr. Alghamdi revealed that the MoU would be mutually beneficial. "The International Telecommunication Union will share the best practices in the field of artificial intelligence with the Kingdom. This will help in shedding light on how to sponsor and support emerging companies and new incubators in the national space, especially as there is no official framework that currently exists to support the AI readiness of countries and international cooperation." From this perspective, we are also looking forward to SDAIA addressing the gap and supporting the ITU in developing a global methodology for artificial intelligence readiness. "AI is being used to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "With only 10 years left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ITU looks forward to working with SDAIA to develop projects and initiatives that can accelerate the progress towards the SDGs and promote AI as a force for good ? for humanity and the planet." The Global AI Summit is an international showcase for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help achieve the objectives of Vision 2030, strengthen the nation's role and spearhead global efforts in AI. It is a unique annual platform that encourages discussions, collaborations and networking opportunities between thought leaders, innovators and decision-makers from all over the world, with the aim of mapping the future of artificial intelligence. The Saudi Data & AI Authority seeks to elevate the Kingdom's position as a leader in data-driven economies through three divisions that regulate the data sector and enable innovation. Which are the National Information Center , the National Data Management Office, and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence.
