Johannesburg: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) showcased the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in strengthening international cooperation to develop the AI Readiness Report, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This was highlighted during SDAIA’s participation in the opening remarks of the fourth workshop on the AI Readiness Report, organized by the ITU as part of the AI for Good Impact Africa event held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this event marks a continuation of SDAIA’s launch of the AI Readiness Framework, developed in collaboration with the ITU. The framework is recognized globally as the first model designed to assist countries in evaluating their AI readiness and to foster international cooperation in AI. It was initially announced during the third edition of the Global AI Summit, held by SDAIA in Riyadh in September 2024.

SDAIA’s representative, Marwa Alfattani, emphasized the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the ITU during her address. She explained that this collaboration began in 2022 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, initiating the AI Readiness Plugfest initiative, creating a global framework for measuring AI readiness, and implementing joint programs in various countries to build institutional AI capabilities.

Alfattani also noted significant achievements, such as the launch of the Global AI Readiness Report in Geneva in 2024 and the unveiling of the final version of the AI Readiness Framework during the GAIN Summit in Riyadh in 2024. The summit served as a platform for exchanging expertise and enhancing collaboration in developing AI-related policies and practices.

SDAIA’s engagement in this workshop is part of its continuous efforts to bolster Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI and its presence on the global stage. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a digital economy driven by knowledge and innovation, utilizing modern technologies for humanity’s benefit.