ICAIRE Signs Two MoUs to Advance AI Ethics
The International Centre for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding in Riyadh to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence research and education.
The agreements involve King Abdulaziz University’s Centre of Research Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AIADS) and the Collaborative Laboratory for Uncertainty Management in the AI Age (CUMAAI). Both partnerships focus on strengthening responsible AI development and building expertise around emerging technologies.
The signings took place during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Saudi Arabia is hosting the forum in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026.
Expanding AI Research Cooperation
Through its agreement with King Abdulaziz University, ICAIRE will strengthen cooperation in scientific research and AI and data science applications.
The partnership will also create opportunities for researchers and institutions to collaborate more closely. In addition, the two organisations will promote the responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of smart technologies.
Furthermore, the agreement supports broader research collaboration around AI and data science. This approach connects academic research with practical applications while keeping ethical considerations within the development process.
ICAIRE’s broader mandate covers AI research and development, ethics awareness, capability building, and policy recommendations. Therefore, the university partnership aligns with several of the center’s core areas of work.
Developing Academic Programs in AI Ethics
Meanwhile, ICAIRE has signed a separate MoU with CUMAAI to develop a joint foundational framework for academic degree programs in AI ethics.
The cooperation includes specialised consultations to design and develop academic programs. It will also strengthen research and educational initiatives focused on the ethical and epistemological challenges linked to rapid AI development.
As AI systems become more capable, universities and research institutions face growing demand for specialised expertise. Consequently, the partnership aims to support educational pathways that address questions surrounding responsible AI use, ethics, and uncertainty management.
The agreement also reflects ICAIRE’s effort to expand partnerships with academic and research institutions. Through these collaborations, the centre is working to develop specialised education and research capacity around ethical AI.
Building Capacity for Responsible AI
The two agreements are part of ICAIRE’s broader work to strengthen international cooperation on AI governance and responsible development.
At the same forum, ICAIRE also announced a program with ICESCO and the Apolitical platform to train 10,000 AI leaders across 53 countries. The initiative focuses on AI literacy and leadership capabilities for senior public-sector officials and policymakers.
Moreover, ICAIRE has continued to expand research and capacity-building initiatives under UNESCO. Its work includes international AI ethics programs, research collaborations, and training initiatives designed to widen access to AI knowledge.
The latest MoUs therefore add academic research and education to ICAIRE’s expanding network of partnerships. Together, the agreements create new channels for research collaboration, AI ethics education, and specialist capacity building as institutions address the challenges created by increasingly advanced AI systems.
