In his address at the International Conference on Capacity Building in Data and Artificial Intelligence, His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the future of artificial intelligence technologies lies not only in algorithms and machines, but fundamentally in the creative human capabilities that guide and develop them. Mr. Al-Bunyan, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Saud University, emphasized that the human role is central to employing these advanced technologies as contributors and innovators, with the aim of enhancing societal and economic efficiency and achieving sustainable development.
National context: Artificial intelligence at the heart of Vision 2030
These statements come in the context of Saudi Arabia's growing interest in the artificial intelligence sector, which is a key pillar in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Through its National Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NSDAI), overseen by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Kingdom seeks to become one of the world's leading countries in this field by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal requires building a solid base of national talent capable of innovation and global competitiveness, which places the education sector at the heart of this strategy.
The importance of capacity building and its future impact
Focusing on human capital represents a long-term investment that ensures not only the importation of technology but also its localization and development to align with local needs and societal culture. Building national capabilities in artificial intelligence is expected to have far-reaching impacts. Domestically, it will accelerate digital transformation across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, and government services, and create new, high-quality jobs for Saudi youth. Regionally, this approach strengthens the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for technology and innovation, attracting investment and talent from across the region. Internationally, it positions Saudi Arabia as an active partner in shaping the future of global AI and its ethics.
ICAN2026 Conference: A platform to connect education with the labor market
Minister Al-Bunyan explained that the International Conference on Capacity Building (ICAN2026) is based on three fundamental pillars aimed at bridging the gap between educational outcomes and the demands of the labor market in the age of artificial intelligence. He indicated that the conference will not be merely a platform for theoretical discussion, but will witness concrete practical steps, including the signing of agreements and strategic initiatives designed to meet global and local needs in this vital sector, thus underscoring the practical approach the Kingdom is adopting to translate its vision into tangible reality.
