RIYADH: Experts from technology, public policy, defense, and other sectors will gather in Riyadh for the Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting on Oct. 2-3.  

The event will focus on fostering collaboration under the theme “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” with the goal of enhancing multi-stakeholder engagement and driving joint initiatives on key strategic priorities.  

The program will feature five core sub-themes, each addressing a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. “Beyond Cyber Discord: Building trust within geopolitical competition” will examine ways to overcome geopolitical tensions and cultivate trust among nations.  

“Cyber Psychology: Decoding human behaviors in Cyberspace” will explore the motivations of cybercriminals and strategies to protect users from cyber manipulation.  

The sub-theme “Cyber Social Fabric: Strengthening development and inclusion in Cyberspace” will focus on promoting social cohesion and equitable participation in the digital realm.  

Another critical topic, “Thriving Cyber Economy: Developing strong markets and building resilient cyber ecosystems,” will discuss strategies for economic growth and market integration within the cybersecurity sector. Lastly, “New Cyber Frontier: Integrating convergent technologies in Cyberspace” will investigate the impact of advanced technologies on the future of cybersecurity.  

The event builds on the success of previous editions, aiming to promote a collective approach to addressing challenges and opportunities in cyberspace.  

Day One  

The first day will kick off with various expert forums, fireside chats, and closed sessions, starting with the speaker session titled “Pathways to De-escalation: Shared priorities for reducing tensions and advancing stability in Cyberspace.”  

This session will delve into the effects of rising inter-state tensions in cyberspace and highlight opportunities for progress through new diplomatic channels, evolving norms, and emerging technologies.  

Also on the agenda is “Leadership Launchpad: Charting Paths to Leadership in Cybersecurity,” which will focus on strategies to advance mid-to-senior female cybersecurity professionals into executive roles. Additionally, “Ctrl + Invest” will showcase women-led ventures in the cybersecurity space.  

Another significant session, “Pioneering Pathways: Unleashing potential in the Cybersecurity sector,” will examine the diverse economic contributions of the cybersecurity industry in tech-driven markets, addressing its potential amid technological changes and the associated risks and opportunities for ecosystem development.  

“Equipping the Defenders: What law enforcement needs to win” will address the critical needs of law enforcement in tackling online child abuse, talent shortages, future skill requirements, and propose actionable solutions.  

In “Cyber Statecraft: The new chessboard of geopolitics,” participants will discuss strategies to integrate cybersecurity into national defense, enhancing geopolitical advantage and ensuring long-term security.  

“The Multilateral Frontier: Assessing the state of play and imperatives for collective action in cyber diplomacy” will analyze the current state of UN negotiations, emphasizing significant progress while addressing challenges in establishing robust international norms and frameworks for cyber governance.  

“Code, Clicks, and Culture: Social Transformation in the Technological Age” will focus on the social transformations driven by technological advancements and the cultural shifts resulting from increased interconnectedness and technology adoption across demographics.  

Additional panel discussions and closed sessions will also take place throughout the first day.  

Day Two  

The second day will feature in-depth discussions on the economic, political, and defense roles of cybersecurity in the digital era.  

One notable session, “The History of Cyber Diplomacy Future: Drawing insights from collaborative progress on trade, nuclear, and climate,” will explore how trade agreements, nuclear disarmament, and climate negotiations can inform effective strategies for cyber diplomacy.  

In “Principles of Stability: Applying the lessons of the past to the current and future challenges in Cyberspace,” participants will examine challenges through the lens of the Secure Future Initiative, a multiyear program focused on evolving Microsoft’s design, development, and operational standards for security.  

“Navigating the Future: Advancing the Global Cybersecurity Agenda to build confidence in cyberspace” will trace the evolution from the World Summit on the Information Society Action Line 5—which laid the groundwork for trust and security in information and communication technologies—to the establishment of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda. This session will highlight how the principles of Action Line 5 have shaped the ITU’s broader approach to cybersecurity.  

Panels will cover the security of the healthcare sector, strategies for psychological defense against cyberattacks, and the critical role of the sector during mega events. These discussions aim to address specific sector vulnerabilities and broader resilience strategies in the face of evolving cyber threats.  

Child protection in cyberspace  

Concurrent with the GCF Annual Meeting, the Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit will take place on Oct. 2-3 in Riyadh.  

This summit will bring together key stakeholders worldwide to ensure that children are safe and protected in cyberspace. The event is held in collaboration with ITU, UNICEF, GCF, the DQ Institute, and WeProtect Global Alliance.  

“Protecting children online is a shared responsibility,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “With today’s children spending an increasing amount of time online, it is crucial to protect and empower them. The Child Protection in Cyberspace Global Summit will bring together leaders from all sectors to ensure our youngest users can thrive online.”  

The summit will convene prominent figures from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to explore multi-stakeholder collaboration for enhancing child protection in cyberspace. The second day will conclude with a high-level roundtable themed “Advancing Collective Action for Child Protection in Cyberspace.”  

“We must work together to make the Internet a safe place for children to learn, socialize, and express themselves,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This Summit marks an important opportunity to coordinate global efforts to maximize the benefits of digital technology in children’s lives while protecting them from harm.”  

The summit aims to achieve four key objectives: consolidating global efforts and advancing collective action; enhancing the global response to pressing challenges; mitigating emerging threats facing children in cyberspace; and ensuring child protection resonates with the agenda of global decision-makers.  

These objectives align with the goals of the Child Protection in Cyberspace initiative and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 16, and 17 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

“We are gathering in Riyadh because we all recognize that as the risks to children in cyberspace grow in number and complexity, we must collaborate to develop innovative partnerships to advance our collective efforts to protect them,” said Majed Al-Mazyed, governor of Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, speaking on behalf of the GCF Board of Trustees.  

The event will focus on finding pathways toward a safer cyberspace for children, including designing new collaborative approaches and mechanisms to enhance responsiveness to emerging technological threats.  

“What we need today is coordinated, multi-stakeholder collaboration that enhances not only children’s safety and well-being in cyberspace but also their cyber literacy, as our highest priority,” said Yuyhun Park, founder of the DQ Institute.  

A 2022 GCF global report found that 72 percent of children worldwide have experienced at least one type of cyber threat, with the most prevalent being unwanted ads and inappropriate content. Nearly one in five children reported facing bullying or unwanted sexual advances.  

“Child exploitation is an urgent and growing problem. We need to focus on preventing harm and work together for a cyberspace designed to protect children globally from exploitation,” said Iain Drennan, executive director of WeProtect Global Alliance.