ICAIRE, Microsoft Launch Second Cohort of 'Elevate Initiative' to Train 5,000 Women in AI

The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), based in Riyadh, announced the launch of the second cohort of the Elevate Initiative in partnership with Microsoft and under the sponsorship of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

The initiative aims to train 5,000 women globally, building on the success of its first cohort, which trained 1,000 women. The program is part of ICAIRE's broader strategy to empower and build the artificial-intelligence (AI) capacity of 25,000 women worldwide.

The announcement was made during the participation of ICAIRE acting Managing Director Dr. Abdulrahman Habib in a dialogue session at the third annual UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, held this year in Bangkok, Thailand. During the session, he highlighted the center’s role in advancing research on AI ethics, developing relevant recommendations, and promoting international dialogue on the responsible use of AI.

Dr. Habib stressed the importance of inclusiveness as a key driver for expanding intellectual and innovative horizons in AI research and application. He also emphasized the need for increased female participation and empowerment in the AI sector, positioning the Elevate Initiative as a crucial step toward achieving this goal in the coming years.

The initiative provides comprehensive AI training with a focus on ethics and global best practices. It includes interactive courses, workshops, and mentoring sessions delivered by certified trainers, totaling 26 training hours over six weeks. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a scholarship to apply for the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) exam.

Registration is available at: https://elevate.icaire.org/registration/

https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2347690