HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026, held in Saudi Arabia.
HE Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Telecommunications, were present.
The forum brought together ministers, senior officials and experts to discuss strengthening ethical and responsible governance of artificial intelligence and develop frameworks for international cooperation that support the safe, inclusive and sustainable use of these technologies.
The forum aims to strengthen international cooperation and dialogue on AI governance, support the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and translate its principles into applicable national policies and governance frameworks. It also provides a platform for exchanging international expertise and practices and building the institutional capacities of member states, enabling them to contribute effectively to shaping the future of AI and benefit from its opportunities.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed also participated in the closed ministerial roundtable, which was dedicated to a high-level dialogue on strengthening international cooperation in AI governance and supporting countries in developing capacities and regulatory frameworks that ensure the inclusive and sustainable development and use of AI technologies, centred on people.
During the roundtable, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed said that Bahrain views the future of AI as a shared responsibility requiring practical and comprehensive international cooperation that places people at the centre of development and use.
He noted that differences in levels of AI development among countries do not eliminate the existence of shared opportunities and challenges that no country can address independently.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed explained that strengthening international cooperation in this domain should be based on three main priorities: Establishing shared principles for responsible AI while allowing countries flexibility in translating them into governance frameworks suited to their circumstances and national priorities; ensuring that the AI gap does not become a new digital divide by supporting countries in developing skills, institutional capacities and reliable digital infrastructure; and moving from principles to practical implementation through the exchange of expertise, development of governance tools, and enhanced cooperation among governments, international organisations, academia and the private sector.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed noted that the Kingdom is translating these principles into practical steps by strengthening its national approach to AI governance, investing in advanced digital infrastructure and national capabilities, and contributing to regional efforts aimed at promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed also highlighted the important role played by UNESCO and its partners in supporting member states in translating global principles into practical national frameworks through capacity-building programmes, policy guidance, knowledge exchange and practical assessment tools that take into account differences in countries’ levels of readiness.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed said that the shared ambition should be to ensure that countries’ benefits from AI are not limited to access to the technology, but also include the ability and voice to participate in shaping its future. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to continuing to work with UNESCO and international partners towards a future for AI that is responsible, inclusive, sustainable and centred on people.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed met with Åsa Regnér, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The meeting discussed topics of mutual interest and reviewed areas of cooperation in digital transformation and AI, as well as exchanged views on the importance of strengthening international cooperation and exchanging expertise and practices that support the responsible, safe and inclusive use of emerging technologies and keep pace with rapid developments in the field in support of sustainable development and capacity-building efforts.
Last Updated Date: 17-09-2026
