GENEVA: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has unanimously adopted a Saudi Arabia-sponsored resolution aimed at strengthening the role of women in cybersecurity, marking a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital sectors.
The resolution was approved during the council’s 62nd session in Geneva on Tuesday and is designed to encourage greater participation of women in cybersecurity professions while supporting the development of technical skills and international cooperation in the field.
The initiative builds upon Saudi Arabia’s “Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity” programme, launched in 2020 under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The programme seeks to expand opportunities for women in digital security by enhancing education, professional training and leadership development.
The resolution was submitted by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva.
It calls for closer global collaboration, technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to help increase women’s representation in cybersecurity and strengthen digital resilience worldwide.
Addressing the Human Rights Council following the adoption of the resolution, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in cybersecurity while supporting countries in developing the expertise needed to address evolving digital challenges.
He added that expanding women’s participation in the sector would contribute to a more secure, innovative and inclusive global digital environment.
The resolution also received support from leading Islamic organisations. Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and President of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, welcomed the council’s decision on behalf of both the MWL and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In a statement posted on X, Al-Issa praised Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing international efforts to build what he described as a safer and more inclusive cyberspace, reaffirming the organisations’ support for initiatives that encourage greater female participation in emerging technologies.
تُثمّنُ #رابطة_العالم_الإسلامي اعتمادَ مجلس حقوق الإنسان في جنيف -بالإجماع-، القرارَ الأمميَّ الذي قدّمته المملكة العربية السعودية بشأن تمكين المرأة في مجال الأمن السيبراني؛ انطلاقًا من المبادرة العالمية التي أطلقها #سمو_ولي_العهد، رئيس مجلس الوزراء، صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير محمد…
— Mohammed Al-Issa محمد العيسى (@MhmdAlissa) July 7, 2026
The unanimous adoption of the resolution is seen as reinforcing international recognition of the importance of gender equality in digital transformation and cybersecurity, areas increasingly viewed as essential to global economic development and national security.
