Deputy Governor of Riyadh Launches Global Cybersecurity Forum in Saudi Arabia

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz attended the launch of the fourth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh on October 2, 2024. The two-day forum, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” is organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), bringing together decision-makers and CEOs from 120 countries to address pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Context and Background

The Global Cybersecurity Forum has become a premier international platform for discussing cybersecurity governance, innovation, and cooperation. This year’s edition builds on the success of previous forums, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in digital security and its commitment to fostering a safe and resilient cyberspace. The forum’s theme underscores the urgent need for collective action in an increasingly interconnected digital world, where threats transcend borders.

Key Details

Upon arrival, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman was welcomed by Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority Eng. Majed Al-Mazyed. In his opening speech, the deputy governor highlighted key points from the address of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who announced the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit. This summit, the first of its kind, aims to unify international efforts to protect children in the digital realm, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human welfare. Eng. Majed Al-Mazyed emphasized the crucial connection between cyberspace, economic growth, and national stability, noting the establishment of the Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation by Royal Order in 2023 to foster cooperation and knowledge sharing.

International Impact

The forum hosted the first Global Summit on Child Protection in Cyberspace, organized in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNICEF, and other stakeholders from the private sector and academia. This initiative aligns with the Crown Prince’s global campaign to raise awareness about digital threats to children. With participation from 120 countries, the forum strengthens international partnerships and sets the stage for coordinated responses to cyber risks, enhancing global digital trust.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Global Cybersecurity Forum directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing digital transformation and cybersecurity resilience. By investing in human capital, launching pioneering initiatives, and building internationally oriented platforms, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for cybersecurity innovation. This event reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a leader in fostering a secure, prosperous digital future, contributing to economic diversification and societal well-being under Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. Who inaugurated the fourth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum?

A1. Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the forum on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q2. What is the theme of the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Forum?

A2. The theme is “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address cybersecurity challenges.

Q3. Who organized the Global Cybersecurity Forum?

A3. The forum was organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).

Q4. How many countries participated in the forum?

A4. The forum featured participation from 120 countries, including decision-makers and CEOs from government, academic, and private sectors.

Q5. What major initiative was announced during the forum?

A5. The Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Q6. What is the purpose of the CPC Global Summit?

A6. The CPC Global Summit aims to unify international efforts and enhance the global response to threats facing children in the digital realm.

Q7. Who is the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority?

A7. The Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority is Eng. Majed Al-Mazyed.

Q8. When was the Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation established?

A8. The Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation was established by Royal Order in 2023 to foster cybersecurity cooperation.

Q9. Which international organizations collaborated on the Child Protection summit?

A9. The summit was organized in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNICEF, and various private sector and academic stakeholders.

Q10. How long did the Global Cybersecurity Forum last?

A10. The forum lasted for two days, starting on October 2, 2024.

Q11. What is the role of the National Cybersecurity Authority?

A11. The National Cybersecurity Authority is responsible for organizing the forum and enhancing cybersecurity governance in Saudi Arabia.

Q12. What did Eng. Majed Al-Mazyed emphasize in his speech?

A12. He emphasized the connection between cyberspace, economic growth, societal prosperity, and national stability, highlighting the need for human capital investment.

Q13. How does the forum support Vision 2030?

A13. The forum supports Vision 2030 by advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity resilience, and international partnerships.

Q14. What is the significance of the theme “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace”?

A14. The theme highlights the urgent need for coordinated global action to address cybersecurity threats that transcend national borders.

Q15. Who welcomed the Deputy Governor at the forum?

A15. The Deputy Governor was welcomed by Eng. Majed Al-Mazyed, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority.

Q16. What sectors were represented at the forum?

A16. Participants represented government, academic, and leading global companies from 120 countries.

Q17. What is the Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation’s mission?

A17. The foundation aims to open avenues of knowledge on cybersecurity, foster cooperation, and leverage sector opportunities for global development.

Q18. Why is the Child Protection in Cyberspace initiative important?

A18. It raises global awareness among decision-makers about growing digital threats to children, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human welfare.

Q19. What previous editions of the GCF established?

A19. Previous editions built foundations and objectives for international cybersecurity dialogue, which the fourth edition continues to expand.

Q20. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from hosting the GCF?

A20. Hosting the GCF enhances Saudi Arabia’s role as a global cybersecurity leader, fosters economic diversification, and strengthens international trust and cooperation.

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