Global Call Opens for AI Ethics Research Ahead of Riyadh Forum

The International Center for AI Research and Ethics has opened a global call for research submissions ahead of a workshop taking place during the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Riyadh from September 14th to 17th, 2026.

Organised in collaboration with UNESCO and the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, the workshop aims to strengthen international scientific participation and advance global dialogue on artificial intelligence ethics and governance.

Researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers and students are invited to submit either scientific research abstracts or panel session proposals by July 18th. All submissions will undergo peer review, with selected papers to be published in a special issue of the Journal of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development. The workshop is scheduled for September 14th, while publication of the proceedings is expected on October 31st.

Suggested research topics include the implementation of UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, international AI governance, ethical AI design and deployment, policy alignment across sectors including healthcare, education, the environment and media, and future approaches to AI governance.

The initiative coincides with the fifth anniversary of UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, as well as Saudi Arabia's designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. It also precedes the Global AI Summit, which will take place in Riyadh from September 15th to 17th.