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The Qatar News Agency reported that discussions between Qatar Chamber and UNESCO produced a framework for a memorandum of cooperation focused on training in artificial intelligence governance and ethics. The two sides will now complete technical discussions on specific areas of collaboration and implementation mechanisms before signing the memorandum at a later stage. Officials framed the initiative as a way to support companies including small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in adopting AI technologies responsibly. The meeting took place on the margins of UNESCO’s fourth Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence held in the Saudi capital.
Participants examined the importance of developing practical frameworks that enable businesses to leverage artificial intelligence while adhering to principles of responsible and ethical use according to the Qatar News Agency. UNESCO has promoted its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI as a global standard with the forum marking five years since its adoption a UNESCO summary of the event stated. The gathering in Riyadh represented the first time the Global Forum was hosted in the Gulf region and it reviewed progress on national readiness assessments for ethical AI governance. Qatar Chamber representatives used the occasion to highlight opportunities for private sector engagement in these international efforts.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Obaidli a board member of Qatar Chamber and chairman of its committees on food security environment innovation and technology stressed the chamber’s commitment to connecting the private sector with innovation and technology ecosystems. He pointed to the need for stronger ties among companies government bodies academic institutions startups and international organizations such as UNESCO. Al-Obaidli’s comments came in the context of the September 19 discussions that emphasized ethical AI adoption across Qatari businesses. The chamber has pursued similar partnerships including earlier talks with the Arab Federation for Artificial Intelligence earlier in 2026.
UNESCO documentation on the Riyadh forum highlighted tools developed to support policymakers including an AI environment and ecosystems toolkit along with an updated readiness assessment methodology. The event brought together global stakeholders to evaluate institutional technical and financial aspects of implementing ethical AI principles. A meta-analysis of 55 country reports informed discussions on AI ethics governance at the forum. Such resources align with the training components outlined in the emerging cooperation framework between UNESCO and Qatar Chamber.
Qatar has engaged UNESCO on artificial intelligence topics through multiple channels in recent years including judicial training programs on AI and the rule of law delivered in Doha in June 2026. Those sessions built on prior workshops in 2022 and a regional event in 2024 involving Qatari judges prosecutors and cybersecurity experts. The Supreme Judiciary Council of Qatar partnered with UNESCO for capacity building that reached 34 participants with a focus on practical strategies for AI in legal settings. These initiatives complement the chamber’s efforts to extend ethical AI knowledge into the private sector.
The proposed memorandum targets training that helps private sector institutions navigate AI governance challenges while fostering innovation according to details shared by the Qatar News Agency. Discussions also covered technology ethics and responsible use of modern tools in business operations. Qatar Chamber has positioned itself as a bridge for Qatari firms seeking international collaboration on emerging technologies. Further meetings are expected to refine the memorandum’s scope before its formal conclusion.
