Crown Prince Welcomes Global Cybersecurity Leaders to GCF Summit in Riyadh
The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Annual Meeting began today in Riyadh, under the patronage of King Salman. The event brings together key international figures, including former prime ministers, ministers, decision-makers, thought leaders, and CEOs from over 125 countries. Its aim is to advance collaboration on Cyberspace issues. The event also coincides with the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit.
Crown Prince’s Opening Remarks
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed attendees, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cooperation. He said: “The Kingdom has always been a force for good, benefiting humanity and global prosperity. We continuously work to strengthen international collaboration in ways that support development and prosperity for all nations.”
The Crown Prince highlighted Cyberspace’s vital role in economies and societies. He stressed the need for global cooperation to address challenges and seize opportunities. “Cyberspace affects economic growth, societal prosperity, individual security, and national stability. Harmonizing global efforts is crucial to face its challenges,” he noted.
Investing in People: Key Global Initiatives
Prince Mohammed also emphasized the importance of investing in people within this vital domain. In 2020, Saudi Arabia launched two global initiatives focused on child protection in Cyberspace and empowering women in cybersecurity. The GCF Institute oversees these initiatives and their associated projects.
The Crown Prince announced the launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit. This summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, is the first of its kind. It aims to unify international efforts to protect children from online threats.
Five Key Themes at GCF 2024
This year’s GCF Annual Meeting, themed ‘Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,’ will feature panel discussions. Experts from governments, academia, and global companies will engage in five main themes: Beyond Cyber Discord, Cyber Psychology, Cyber Social Fabric, Thriving Cyber Economy, and New Cyber Frontier.
