Global Cybersecurity Forum

The Global Cybersecurity Forum is an international event organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The forum serves as a venue for the world's cybersecurity experts to discuss issues and trends and foster international cooperation in cyberspace. The first edition of the forum was launched in 2020, in Riyadh City, during the Kingdom's G20 presidency.

Through this forum, the National Cybersecurity Authority seeks to establish an international platform for engaging in an open dialogue on cybersecurity. The platform will identify efficient means for the local and global communities to contribute to instilling a safe cybersecurity environment, foster international efforts to address cybersecurity threats, pave the way for investment and innovation in this vital field, and discuss means for enabling and qualifying human cadres to work in cybersecurity.

The first edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum was launched in 2020. It featured the participation of approximately 120 speakers. During the forum, it was announced that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will adopt two initiatives related to protecting children in the cyber world and enabling women in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the Riyadh Cybersecurity Statement was also announced.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Global Cybersecurity Forum hosted a virtual dialogue in 2021 entitled "Cybersecurity: What Now, What Next?" Featuring twenty-six speakers from around the world, the event was attended live by around 250,000 participants from about one hundred countries.

The second edition of the Global Cybersecurity Forum was held in 2022. Entitled "Rethinking the Global Cyber Order," it featured the participation of 127 speakers and was attended by nine thousand participants from 117 countries.

The Global Cybersecurity Forum 2023, entitled "Charting Shared Priorities in Cyberspace," featured the participation of 164 speakers from 120 countries. It witnessed the launch of the Cybersecurity Operating System Center of Excellence and specialized "Knowledge Communities."

Held under the theme "Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace," the Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 was attended by global figures, including prime ministers, ministers, decision and policymakers, thought leaders, and executive directors from 120 countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomed the forum attendees on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, saying: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around 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.”

He added: "Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations. The cross-border nature of cyberspace means that it is increasingly important to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities it offers, and face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.” The first Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit was launched during the forum.