Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “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 toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.



Saudi Govt Condemns Israel for Resuming Strikes on Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Condemns Israel for Resuming Strikes on Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government condemned on Tuesday Israel for resuming its attacks on Gaza.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet emphasized the international community's responsibility to intervene urgently to stop the Israeli crimes in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis faced by the brotherly Palestinian people.

Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the ministers on the telephone talks he held with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The cabinet reviewed the latest developments in the Arab, regional, and international arenas, reiterating the Kingdom's steadfast positions on these issues and its support for efforts promoting regional and global security and stability.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet welcomed the conclusion of peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the signing of a border demarcation agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The cabinet commended the launch of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, which highlights 19 architectural styles that represent the Kingdom's geographical, natural, and cultural traits. The initiative will help in the preservation of urban heritage, the enhancement of quality of life, and the development of urban landscapes.

The cabinet discussed strategies to boost development and service projects and reinforce the social welfare and protection system in order to accelerate progress, harness potential, and achieve the nation's ambitions.

It also reviewed indicators of the national economy's performance and the Kingdom's credit rating upgrades by international agencies, underscoring the continued implementation of structural reforms and the creation of an environment conducive to unprecedented economic transformation and diversification, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Moreover, the cabinet expressed hailed the proactive security monitoring and response to drug smuggling networks, carried out in partnership with brotherly and friendly countries. He specifically praised the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for intercepting an attempt to smuggle 7 million amphetamine pills, acting on information provided by the Saudi Ministry of Interior.