Riyadh, November 01, 2023, In a grand inaugural ceremony, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, officially opened the much-anticipated third Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh, a remarkable event held under the auspices of the esteemed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This prestigious gathering, organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority in collaboration with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), is set to span two days and has attracted over 150 prominent speakers, industry experts, influential decision-makers, CEOs, and high-ranking representatives hailing from both governmental and academic spheres. Notably, a myriad of distinguished international companies from more than 120 countries are also participating, further underscoring the global significance of this event.
In his opening address, Prince Faisal emphasized the timeliness of this year's forum, which revolves around the theme "Charting Shared Priorities in Cyberspace." He pointed out that the cybersecurity sector is currently experiencing rapid advancements, creating a compelling imperative for international cooperation to forge the path towards global prosperity. Prince Faisal expressed his confidence that the convergence of international expertise, decision-makers, and specialists from around the world will enhance the forum's outcomes. It is expected that they will bring valuable insights and experiences to bear on crucial and strategic cybersecurity matters, ultimately helping to create a secure and dependable cyberspace that fosters progress, innovation, and prosperity for all.
Eng. Majed Al-Mazyad, the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Saudi leadership in bolstering the cybersecurity sector. He lauded the Global Cybersecurity Forum as an essential platform for exploring avenues to enhance cooperation, unify efforts, nurture partnerships, and seize opportunities within the cybersecurity domain. These endeavors, he noted, align with broader international initiatives aimed at achieving robust cybersecurity and benefiting communities across the globe.
The Global Cybersecurity Forum has, over time, evolved into a crucial arena for decision-makers, experts, and specialists to engage in discussions surrounding vital and strategic issues in the field. It serves as a hub for the exchange of knowledge and expertise while facilitating collaboration on multiple fronts.
This year's edition of the forum is poised to chart shared priorities in cyberspace through an impressive roster of 35 dialogue sessions. These sessions will delve into strategic topics related to cybersecurity, with a particular focus on five sub-themes: "Cyberspace amidst polycrisis," "Cyber growth unlocked," "Across cyber divides," "Inside cyber minds," and "Emerging cyber horizons." This diverse agenda promises to yield valuable insights and actionable strategies for the ever-evolving landscape of global cybersecurity.