The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with UNESCO and the International Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), has announced an open call for research proposals to accompany the 2026 Global Forum on AI Ethics, which will be hosted by the Kingdom in Riyadh from September 14-17, 2026. This step aims to enhance international scientific participation and enrich global dialogue on AI ethics and governance.

What is the significance of this research call?

ICAIRE explained that there are two main tracks for submissions: one for scientific research abstracts, and another for panel session proposals. Researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students from around the world will be invited to participate.

This call comes on the heels of the fifth anniversary of UNESCO's adoption of its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which is the only globally agreed-upon normative reference in this field.

The Center explained that the scientific contributions could address, among others, a number of topics, including: the practical application of UNESCO's recommendation in various countries and contexts, including its tools such as the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA); the role of international, multilateral cooperation and partnerships in building consistent and inclusive AI governance; mechanisms for activating ethical values and principles in the design, development, deployment, and governance of AI systems; the extent to which the policy areas mentioned in the recommendation are aligned with modern technical variables in the fields of environment, culture, education, health, communication, and information; as well as future visions and prospective approaches to the future of ethical AI governance.

The Center noted that all submissions will undergo peer-reviewed scientific review, while the best research papers will have the opportunity to be published in a special issue of the Journal of AI for Sustainable Development (JAISD). The Center set July 18, 2026 as the deadline for receiving abstracts and session proposals. The research workshop will take place on September 14, 2026 within the framework of the Global Forum on AI Ethics. The proceedings and accepted abstracts will be published on October 31, 2026.