DCO Launches Ethical AI Guidebook at UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance

Technology

DCO Launches Ethical AI Guidebook at UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), has launched the DCO Ethical AI Guidebook for Policymakers during a high-level session held alongside the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in Geneva.

The session, titled "Responsible, Trusted, and Safe AI for Prosperity: From Principles to Practice," brought together policymakers, international organisations, industry leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and members of the technical community to discuss practical approaches to advancing responsible AI governance, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting international cooperation.

The event formed part of the main programme of the UN Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, held on July 6–7, where participants explored ways to support the World Digital Majority in accelerating the adoption of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence through effective governance frameworks.

During the event, Ms. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside global AI industry and civil society leaders, highlighting the importance of ensuring broader participation in shaping international AI governance policies.

Commenting on the launch, AlYahya said that while there is broad global agreement on the principles of responsible, trustworthy, and inclusive AI, many countries still lack the practical tools and institutional capacity needed to translate those principles into action. She noted that the new Ethical AI Guidebook aims to bridge this gap by equipping governments with practical guidance to develop policies that enable AI to drive inclusive digital prosperity.

The DCO Ethical AI Guidebook for Policymakers has been developed to help governments, regulators, and national AI task forces convert ethical AI principles into practical national strategies, legislation, policies, and governance frameworks. The guide is based on the DCO Principles for Ethical AI and the Riyadh AI Call to Action Declaration, providing countries with actionable recommendations for responsible AI implementation.

The guidebook also forms part of the DCO's broader AI governance ecosystem, which includes the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator, the AI-REAL Toolkit and Web Portal, and the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN). Together, these resources are designed to strengthen AI readiness, improve institutional capabilities, and support countries in building transparent and sustainable AI governance systems.

The initiative reflects the DCO's ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive digital economy growth while supporting governments worldwide in adopting ethical and human-centric approaches to artificial intelligence.