Riyadh: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) on Wednesday called on the ministries of education in its member states to adopt educational plans that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into educational curricula, while also incorporating the principles of the Riyadh Charter and its ethical foundations.
This came in a statement by Director-General of ISESCO Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al Malik, during the International Conference on Capacity Building in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026), organised by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with King Saud University and the Human Capacity Development Program.
Dr. Al Malik emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) has become a new platform for improving quality of life, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening the foundations of effective governance.
This will move societies from a stage of sufficiency to one of social innovation and enhance the sustainability of development. In this context, he pointed to the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World, launched by ISESCO in partnership with SDAIA, as an ethical and strategic framework guiding the responsible development and use of AI and promoting its application to serve humanity and sustainable development.
Dr. Al Malik also warned of the rapid transformations in the labor market, explaining that AI will lead to the decline of some traditional jobs and the emergence of new jobs with updated titles and skills. This necessitates accelerating efforts in preparation and continuous training.
For his part, Director of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence at ISESCO Dr. Qais Al Hamami, participated in a session at the conference on national data and AI strategies.
He presented the ISESCO AI Index for the Islamic World, emphasising its role as a practical tool for assessing readiness, identifying gaps, and supporting policies in member states.
It is worth noting that the International Conference on Capacity Building in Data and Artificial Intelligence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia includes experts and specialists from more than 50 local and international organisations, to discuss the future of humanity in education and work in the age of artificial intelligence.
