During the forum, Al Qaed participated in the high-level ministerial session titled “Five Years of the Recommendation: Where We Are, Where We Go Next”. The session addressed progress made in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, capacity building in ethical AI governance, and relevant institutional, technical, financial, and policy aspects, in addition to UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).

iGA CE highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s achievements in AI readiness reflect the Kingdom’s continued progress and development across various fields under the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. He noted that these achievements are also the result of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the continued follow-up of His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communications Technology. These efforts have contributed to advancing national initiatives to build an integrated AI ecosystem based on readiness, governance, and responsible use.

Al Qaed noted that UNESCO’s methodology enabled the Kingdom of Bahrain to comprehensively assess its national AI readiness and identify areas of strength and those requiring further development. This contributed to shaping priorities for the next phase, particularly in developing data and knowledge infrastructure, strengthening governance, building national capabilities, and raising awareness to support the responsible use of these technologies.

He also highlighted the progress achieved and initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain in several priority areas, including the development of national data infrastructure, strengthening AI knowledge and capabilities, and national efforts to support inclusive education, develop skills and competencies, raise public awareness, and enhance the public sector’s capacity to benefit from emerging technologies.

Al Qaed emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation across sectors and supporting research into the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. He stressed on the need to move from assessment and priority-setting to practical implementation through the development of effective governance frameworks, capacity building, and the implementation of initiatives and solutions that deliver tangible and sustainable impact.

The Chief Executive affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s participation in the ministerial session reflects its commitment to contributing actively to international discussions on the responsible and ethical governance of artificial intelligence, while benefiting from international experiences and best practices to strengthen its national readiness.

He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to build on and expand existing initiatives, enhancing the use of artificial intelligence technologies to advance government work and serve the community, in line with national priorities and international principles and standards for responsible artificial intelligence.

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