The Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) and the International Center for Research and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) officially signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. This significant agreement formalizes a collaboration between the two entities. The signing ceremony occurred in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a key location for international dialogue, and notably coincided with the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026). This strategic timing showed the relevance of the agreement to ongoing global discussions about AI's responsible development. The memorandum of understanding is specifically intended to achieve the shared goals and common objectives of both ICAIRE and UNA, fostering synergy in their respective missions.
Forum Context and Signatories
The fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) served as the backdrop for this critical signing. The forum commenced its proceedings on September 14, 2026, bringing together experts and stakeholders from around the world to discuss ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. The event is scheduled to conclude on September 17, 2026, providing several days of intensive discussions and collaborations. It was during this influential forum that the memorandum of understanding between UNA and ICAIRE was formally signed. Representing the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), M. Mohammed bin Abd Rabbo Al-Yami, the distinguished Director General of UNA, officially affixed his signature to the agreement. On behalf of the International Center for Research and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE), Dr Majed bin Ali Al-Shehri, who serves as the Director General of ICAIRE, signed the document, solidifying the partnership between the two organizations. The signing event itself took place on the sidelines of the larger UNESCO forum, noting the specific focus of this bilateral agreement within the broader context of AI ethics.
Shared Objectives and Alignment
The collaboration outlined in the memorandum is built upon a foundation of shared strategic alignment. ICAIRE's objectives, as stated by the organization, are closely aligned with the full UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy for 2022–2029. This alignment ensures that ICAIRE's initiatives contribute to broader international goals for ethical AI. Similarly, the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) also operates with objectives that are in line with UNESCO's strategic goals, demonstrating a consistent commitment to global principles. UNA's strategic goals are multifaceted and encompass several key areas. These include promoting freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democratic societies, and fostering strong media development across its member states. The organization also aims to actively disseminate a culture of peace and tolerance, working to counter narratives that fuel discord. UNA's mandate explicitly includes combating hate speech and extremism, recognizing the critical role media plays in shaping public discourse. Additionally, UNA's strategic goals involve supporting knowledge exchange among media professionals and strengthening media capacities, particularly within the rapidly evolving digital age. To further these aims, the organization also coordinates specialized training programs specifically designed for media professionals, enhancing their skills and ethical understanding.
Broader Goals and Partnerships
Beyond its core media development objectives, the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA) includes promoting ethical technological transformation as one of its overarching strategic goals. This objective guides the organization's approach to integrating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, responsibly and ethically within the media landscape. UNA also places significant emphasis on developing partnerships for sustainable impact as a key strategic goal. The organization actively seeks to collaborate with various entities, including academic institutions, governmental bodies, and other international organizations, to ensure long-term positive outcomes from its initiatives and projects. Both these goals—ethical technological transformation and the cultivation of sustainable partnerships—reflect UNA's profound commitment to responsible media development and the advancement of high ethical standards in an evolving technological environment. The memorandum of understanding with ICAIRE is a direct manifestation of these commitments, promising joint efforts to navigate the complexities of AI in media.