RIYADH: The Riyadh-based International Center for AI Research and Ethics has been ranked as a Category 2 center by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The announcement was made at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference this week, in the presence of Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and AI Authority.
The center’s achievement, according to the Saudi Press Agency, “comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s constant support for UNESCO’s mission to promote all positive aspects in the lives of people,” and is “testimony to its domestic, regional and international commitments, and an acknowledgement of its continuous support for artificial intelligence and its use for the benefit of countries worldwide, particularly developing countries.”
The International Center for AI Research and Ethics supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030 as well as UNESCO’s AI programs, focusing on countries in the Middle East.
UNESCO grants Saudi AI center Category 2 status
https://arab.news/4f7f6
UNESCO grants Saudi AI center Category 2 status
- The announcement was made at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference
- The International Center for AI Research and Ethics supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh
RIYADH: A celebration of light and traditional choir singing illuminated the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on Wednesday evening for the country’s Lucia festival.
Based on ancient pre-Christian traditions intertwined with the story of Saint Lucy, who is depicted wearing a crown of candles, the festival is cherished for bringing some respite from the dark Scandinavian winter.
The Riyadh embassy hosted a number of dignitaries and members of the Swedish community in Saudi Arabia, with catering provided by Ikea.
Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Petra Menander spoke to Arab News about the significance of the festival.
“It's a very, very old tradition that leads back to our peasant times when we needed to fight the darkness with light,” she said.
“And so we actually adopted an old tradition from Italy where Lucia comes with light in her hair and that made us all feel very, very comfortable.
“And it’s something that we actually celebrate just as much as the other holidays, like Christmas or so on. It’s inescapable, at all schools, everywhere.”
Holding the festival in Riyadh was particularly special as it not only brought a glimpse of Swedish culture to Saudi Arabia, but also helped Swedish nationals living in the Kingdom reconnect with their homeland.
“I think it’s a very nice way to bring Swedish culture overseas, but it’s also a nice way of getting the Swedish community together,” said Menander.
“We just have many people who come from mixed backgrounds and they’re very happy that they can introduce their children to this tradition even if they’re living very far away from Sweden. So, it’s a very warm feeling for me.”
