The Sultanate of Oman has joined the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in Geneva, where governments, technology leaders and experts are discussing international approaches to managing the rapid growth of AI.
Oman’s delegation is led by Dr Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. The delegation also includes Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dr Idris Abdul Rahman Al Khanjari, along with officials from the transport, communications and foreign ministries.
Opening the session, António Guterres said the dialogue marks the first time every UN member state has been given a seat in global discussions on AI governance. He stressed the need for international cooperation to ensure artificial intelligence develops in a way that is safe, fair and accessible to all.
Annalena Baerbock said the initiative is about more than regulating technology, describing it as an effort to build a shared vision that balances innovation with human dignity, fairness and sustainable development. She added that responsible AI governance could strengthen sectors including healthcare, education, scientific research, agriculture and crisis management.
Speaking on behalf of Oman, Dr Al Shidhani said the country is well positioned to contribute to global efforts aimed at developing responsible AI, in line with Oman Vision 2040. He reaffirmed Muscat’s commitment to working with the United Nations and international partners to promote artificial intelligence that is safe, reliable and sustainable.
Participants also discussed challenges facing AI governance, including the rapid pace of technological development, the concentration of advanced AI capabilities among a small number of organisations, and inequalities in access to AI technologies across different regions and languages.
