Riyadh – Mubasher: The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) today launched the inaugural Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh.
The forum, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is being held on 4-5 February at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Saudi Capital.
The forum is focusing on five themes, cybersecurity industry, international cyber collaboration, cyberculture, cyber disruption, and cyber threats and resilience.
In the event’s official opening speech, Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud announced two cybersecurity initiatives, under the support of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, to protect children in the cyberspace and empower women.
More than 130 speakers, 1,200 participants from more than 58 countries are taking part in the two-day event, which is considered the largest cybersecurity event to date in the Middle East, bringing global policymakers, businesses, investment firms and international organization representatives to discuss how the world’s collective cybersecurity should be maintained in the face of tomorrow’s threats.
Additionally, many experts from the tech industry are participating in the event, including Diana Kelley, Cybersecurity Field CTO at Microsoft, and Travis Reese, President of FireEye, as well as representatives from major companies in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Saudi Telecom Company (stc).
Saudi Arabia ranked 13th worldwide in commitment to cybersecurity, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Moreover, the event coincides with Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the upcoming G20 Summit in Riyadh.
