The Global Cybersecurity Forum witnessed the signing of specific Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that will reflect positively on enhancing cybersecurity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with “NEOM” company to work together in a strategic partnership in cybersecurity, which will develop capabilities and training in cybersecurity technologies for smart cities, as the partnership seeks to contribute to building national capabilities in the field of cybersecurity required in the smart cities initiatives in the Kingdom.
NCA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to work together to achieve complementarity between them and increase the level of research and development, in addition to participating in preparing educational and training programs to build national capacities specialized in the field of cybersecurity.
In its first edition, the Global Cybersecurity Forum took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Saudi Capital Riyadh on 04-05 February.
The two-day Forum was organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the participation of more than 120 speakers and 3,500 who registered as participants.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul-Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, inaugurated the Forum. In his speech, Prince Faisal affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a major process of modernization and development in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which drew directions and goals to have a vibrant and prosperous society and ambitious homeland, considering the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority and the great support it finds as a model for this development.
Prince Faisal announced the issuance of a directive of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to adopt two initiatives from His Royal Highness to serve global cyber security, noting that the first initiative is to protect children in the cyber world by launching projects to lead efforts related to the protection of children in cyberspace.
The second initiative is the empowerment of women in cybersecurity, with the aim of supporting them for active participation in this field and promoting the professional development of women, and increasing human capital for cybersecurity.
Prince Faisal drew attention to the fact that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is aware of large and renewable challenges facing the countries of the world with the expansion and great use of technology and dependence on it in the daily life of societies and in energy and industrial production, banking services, communications services, medical, human services, scientific research, other security, economic services and systems; which necessitate enhancing cybersecurity.
“The Forum provides opportunities to exchange experiences and mix ideas in this important security aspect of countries and societies, and to discuss best international practices, and the most important developments,” he said.
He further called on the Forum to review the importance of challenges, difficulties and combating cybercrimes facing countries, organizations and individuals in the field of cybersecurity in the world, and to witness an international coordination and cooperation in the service of global cybersecurity.
He expressed his confidence that the Forum will present to the world the results of the experiences of countries in the field of cybersecurity in a manner that enhances confidence and joint responsibility among countries and supports their development and economy.
