SDAIA Showcases Saudi Efforts in Advancing the Global AI Readiness Measurement Framework in South Africa
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening international cooperation to develop the AI Readiness Report, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This came 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.
This marks the continuation of SDAIA’s launch of the AI Readiness Framework, developed in collaboration with the ITU. The framework is the first globally recognized model designed to support countries in assessing their AI readiness and to enhance international cooperation in the field of AI. It was announced during the third edition of the Global AI Summit, organized by SDAIA in Riyadh in September 2024.
During her address, SDAIA’s representative Marwa Alfattani highlighted the close partnership between Saudi Arabia and the ITU. She explained that this cooperation began in 2022 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, the launch of the AI Readiness Plugfest initiative, the development of a global framework for measuring AI readiness, and the implementation of joint programs in several countries to support efforts to build institutional AI capabilities.
She also highlighted the key achievements in this field, including 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 global platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening collaboration in developing AI-related policies and practices.
SDAIA’s participation in this workshop is part of its ongoing efforts to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the field of AI and to enhance its presence on the international arena. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a thriving digital economy driven by knowledge and innovation, and to harness modern technologies for the good of humanity.
