RIYADH: The fourth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Annual Meeting has kicked off today in Riyadh, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The mega event brings together high-level global figures, including former prime ministers, ministers, policymakers, decision-makers, thought leaders, and CEOs, from over 125 nations, to advance multistakeholder collaboration and action on Cyberspace issues. The GCF Annual Meeting 2024 will also run in conjunction with the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit, the SPA added.
The SPA said that His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister welcomed attendees on behalf of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, saying: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity across the world. It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation, and strengthen international collaboration towards efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors.”
His Royal Highness said: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of people, and the stability of countries. The cross-border nature of Cyberspace means that it is increasingly significant to harmonize global efforts to seize the opportunities it offers, and face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
His Royal Highness maintained: “Believing in the significance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two international initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in Cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the sector of cybersecurity. The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both steps, as well as implementing the associated projects.”
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has also highlighted the progress made by the two steps, most importantly the increased understanding of needs at the international level that has established new and inspiring visions that have enabled GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies. These efforts enable decision-makers across the world to develop policies and programs aimed at enhancing child protection in Cyberspace and enabling women’s participation in the sector of cybersecurity.
Based on these achievements, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, announced the launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as the first international summit of its kind, with the goals of unifying global efforts and enhancing the international response to the threats facing children in Cyberspace.
His Highness has called on God Almighty to grant success to all participants in the Annual Meeting and the Summit, and for the efforts towards shaping a safe and reliable Cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity for all peoples of the world, the SPA reported.
This year’s edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting is held under the theme ‘Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace’, the SPA added. It will feature panel discussions in which decision-makers, international experts and senior officials from various government agencies, academia, and leading global firms, will engage with five main themes: Beyond Cyber Discord, Cyber Psychology, Cyber Social Fabric, Thriving Cyber Economy, and New Cyber Frontier.
