The Kingdom Official Joins UNESCO AI Ethics Forum

Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Telecommunications at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the first session of the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on AI, Multilateralism and Diplomacy, titled “Regional Cooperation in Action.”

The session was held as part of the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

Discussions focused on the role of regional cooperation in addressing challenges related to AI governance, the exchange of expertise and best practices among countries, and opportunities to strengthen joint action at the regional level.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa stressed the importance of developing digital infrastructure and telecommunications networks to meet the rapidly evolving requirements of AI technologies.

He highlighted the role of regional cooperation in strengthening digital connectivity, improving the security and resilience of telecommunications networks, and supporting digital inclusion to ensure that society as a whole benefits from technological advances.

He also emphasised the need to continue developing digital infrastructure indicators and capabilities at the regional level in line with the rapid growth of AI applications, data and digital services.

Such efforts, he said, contribute to building secure, reliable, resilient and interoperable telecommunications networks.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa said advanced and secure digital infrastructure is essential to enabling countries across the region to expand the responsible and inclusive use of AI technologies and harness their potential to support development and digital transformation.