Sberbank executive Alexander Vedyakhin reveals growing international collaboration on AI regulation, research and implementation, with Arab nations poised to join expanding network
MOSCOW – Russia is spearheading efforts to build a inclusive global architecture for artificial intelligence development through the BRICS AI Alliance Network, with plans to expand membership to key Arab nations, according to Sberbank’s first deputy chairman Alexander Vedyakhin.
The initiative comes as AI continues to transform global economies and societies, with emerging markets seeking to ensure their representation in shaping the technology’s future.
Expanding the AI Alliance
The AI Alliance Network, established last year, now comprises 17 industry-specific associations from 14 countries with over 7,000 partners. Under Russia’s current chairmanship of the Secretariat, the network is actively pursuing expansion into the Arab world.
“We are now exploring the expansion by inviting national associations and universities from Arab countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia,” Vedyakhin stated. “The Arab states are deeply invested in AI development and stand among the field’s global leaders.”
The executive emphasized that Arab participation addresses critical needs in AI evolution, bringing unique cultural context, language diversity, and investment strength to the global conversation.
Collaborative Framework and Regulation
BRICS countries are leveraging their diverse stages of AI development to create mutual advantages through knowledge-sharing and joint standard-setting. A key initiative includes the upcoming BRICS+ AI Success Hub, an international platform for sharing AI implementation case studies developed in partnership with UNIDO.
“Without substantial engagement from the Arab world, with its unique cultural context, language, and investment strength, AI risks a constrained evolution,” Vedyakhin noted.
The alliance is also prioritizing the development of a global AI regulatory framework that aligns ethical and legal norms within the BRICS framework, with collective efforts to establish standards ensuring safety, ethics, and rights protection.
Research and Implementation
Through a series of international foresight sessions held in nine countries including the UAE and Morocco, the alliance has fostered collaboration among leading AI researchers. The comprehensive findings will be presented at the upcoming AI Journey 2025 conference in Moscow.
Russian AI solutions, including Sber’s GigaChat which can process queries in Arabic, are being positioned for BRICS markets through deep localization and partnership strategies.
“The implementation of domestic AI solutions enhances government efficiency and public access to services,” Vedyakhin said, highlighting Russia’s support for China’s proposal for an open-source global AI ecosystem to reduce barriers and strengthen the Global South.
The AI Journey conference, celebrating its anniversary edition this year, will continue to feature prominent speakers from Arab countries and provide global access through free online participation with Arabic language support.
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