Riyadh, October 2, 2024 – The fourth edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Annual Meeting commenced today in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This pivotal event has gathered high-level international figures, including former prime ministers, government ministers, renowned policymakers, thought leaders, and CEOs from over 125 countries, all united to enhance multistakeholder collaboration and address pressing issues related to Cyberspace. The GCF Annual Meeting 2024 coincides with the inaugural Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit, wonderfully amplifying the forum's mission.
In his welcoming remarks delivered on behalf of King Salman, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to being a positive force for global humanity and prosperity. He articulated the Kingdom's longstanding dedication to fostering cooperation and boosting international collaborations that support development and uplift all nations. "Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations," he stated, highlighting the necessity of harmonizing international efforts to harness the opportunities presented by cyberspace and confront its inherent challenges—central to this pursuit is the investment in people.
Expressing a strong belief in the importance of human capital in the dynamic field of cybersecurity, Prince Mohammed shared the initiative launched in 2020, which encompasses two significant global projects: one aimed at protecting children in Cyberspace and the other focused on empowering women within the cybersecurity sector. The Institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum has been tasked with overseeing both initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of associated projects, thus ensuring that the vision for a safer Cyberspace is translated into actionable strategies.
During his speech, the Crown Prince commended the progress achieved through these initiatives, which have led to a greater understanding of global needs and the formulation of innovative visions that have enabled the GCF to develop impactful programs, conduct crucial research, and establish new frameworks and strategies. These efforts are particularly aimed at equipping decision-makers worldwide with the necessary tools to enhance child protection measures in Cyberspace and promote women’s active participation in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
In light of these advancements, Prince Mohammed announced the launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia as the first summit of its kind globally. This summit is designed to consolidate international efforts and improve the global response to the various threats children face in the digital environment. He expressed his hopes for the success of all participants in the Annual Meeting and the Summit, praying for efforts directed at creating a safe and reliable Cyberspace that fosters growth and prosperity for people across the globe.
This year's Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting adopts the theme ‘Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace.’ The agenda includes a series of expert panel discussions involving decision-makers, senior officials, and international specialists from diverse government branches, academic institutions, and leading global enterprises. These discussions will revolve around five main themes: Beyond Cyber Discord, Cyber Psychology, Cyber Social Fabric, Thriving Cyber Economy, and New Cyber Frontier. Each topic is designed to stimulate dialogue, collaboration, and innovative thinking to address the myriad challenges posed by the rapidly evolving digital landscape.