Saudi Arabia Prepares to Host Historic G20 Summit

A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Prepares to Host Historic G20 Summit

A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)
A group photo of global leaders is projected on the walls of landmarks in Saudi Arabia's Diriyah. (AFP)

Riyadh will host on Saturday and Sunday a historic G20 Summit, the first ever to be held in the Arab world and amid Saudi anticipation for reaching international consensus on pressing economic issues.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will chair the proceedings of the 15th G20 Summit, which will be held virtually due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

World leaders and the heads of international and regional agencies and organizations have been invited to participate.

The summit, the world’s premier economic event, reflects Saudi Arabia’s central role on the regional and international scenes where it is seeking to bolster cooperation with its member state partners to achieve the goals of the G20 in pursuit of global economic stability and prosperity.

The Kingdom’s hosting of the summit will be an opportunity to propose issues that concern the Middle East and North Africa.

The agenda will address economic, financial, social, energy, environment, climate, digital economy, trade, agriculture, health care and education. The summit aims to develop effective policies in order to achieve sustainable and balanced development and provide real job opportunities to raise living conditions throughout the world.

Riyadh has witnessed a flurry of activity ahead of the global event, with working groups holding a series of meetings to tackle pressing economic issues.



Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, is set to host on Monday the inaugural meeting of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council.

The meeting will be attended by ministers and officials responsible for cybersecurity in Arab League member states, alongside the organization’s Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The agenda includes discussions on key topics of mutual interest, such as drafting the Arab cybersecurity strategy, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and reviewing working papers submitted by Arab League member states. These initiatives aim to foster enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity across the Arab region.

The Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, established following a proposal by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by all Arab countries, is tasked with formulating general policies, strategies, and priorities to advance joint Arab efforts in cybersecurity.

Its objectives include enhancing collaboration, coordinating efforts among Arab states on cybersecurity issues, sharing knowledge and expertise, and safeguarding member states' interests in international cybersecurity organizations. The council also seeks to develop a unified Arab stance on cybersecurity matters in international forums and contribute to creating a secure and trustworthy Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.