Saudi Communications Minister Calls for Global Cooperation to Bridge AI Divide
Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha emphasizes decisive international collaboration at ITU event.
At the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and IT, Abdullah Al-Swaha, underscored the necessity for 'decisive international collaboration' to address disparities in computing infrastructure that could hinder nations' advancement in artificial intelligence.
Citing the concentration of computing power in a few regions, limited AI infrastructure in many countries, and the restricted participation of the Global South in governance frameworks and regulatory policies, Al-Swaha highlighted an "existential gap" stemming from these access disparities to AI technologies.
The minister referenced past technological eras, noting how long it took for analog connectivity to spread and contrasting this with the digital era's rapid connection of 5.5 billion people, yet leaving 2.6 billion unconnected.
He emphasized Saudi Arabia's leadership under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in AI initiatives and highlighted the nation's commitment to bridging emerging technological divides.
Al-Swaha pointed out that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in digital competitiveness, data protection regulation, inclusive language models, and research output, with KAUST researchers ranking among the top one percent globally in scientific citations.
He called for multilateral partnerships under the ITU to create a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem supportive of sustainable development and human well-being.
Citing the concentration of computing power in a few regions, limited AI infrastructure in many countries, and the restricted participation of the Global South in governance frameworks and regulatory policies, Al-Swaha highlighted an "existential gap" stemming from these access disparities to AI technologies.
The minister referenced past technological eras, noting how long it took for analog connectivity to spread and contrasting this with the digital era's rapid connection of 5.5 billion people, yet leaving 2.6 billion unconnected.
He emphasized Saudi Arabia's leadership under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in AI initiatives and highlighted the nation's commitment to bridging emerging technological divides.
Al-Swaha pointed out that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in digital competitiveness, data protection regulation, inclusive language models, and research output, with KAUST researchers ranking among the top one percent globally in scientific citations.
He called for multilateral partnerships under the ITU to create a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem supportive of sustainable development and human well-being.
