RIYADH — Riyadh Emir Prince Faisal Bin Bandar announced Tuesday at the Global Cyber security Forum two initiatives to serve global cyber security adopted by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

The first initiative is to protect children in the cyber world by launching projects to lead efforts related to the protection of children in cyberspace.

The second initiative is empowering women in cyber security, with the aim of supporting them for active participation in this field and promoting the professional development of women, and increasing human capital for cyber security.

The Global Cyber Security Forum was inaugurated by Prince Faisal on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, being organized by the National Cyber Security Authority at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in the presence of ministers and international experts in the field.

The Emir of Riyadh said that he is honored on behalf of the King to inaugurate the forum, welcoming all participants in Riyadh, wishing them all success for the forum and the achievement of its noble goals.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia is witnessing a major process of modernization and development in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which drew directions and goals to have a vibrant and prosperous society and ambitious homeland, considering the establishment of the National Cyber security Authority and the great support it finds as a model for this development.

Prince Faisal pointed out to the fact that Saudi Arabia is aware of large and renewable challenges facing the countries of the world with the expansion and great use of technology and dependence on it in the daily life of societies necessitate enhancing cyber security.

The use and dependence on technology is in every sphere, especially energy and industrial production, banking services, communications services, medical, human services, scientific research, other security, economic services and systems.

He said, "The forum provides opportunities to exchange experiences and mix ideas in this important security aspect of countries and societies, and to discuss best international practices, and the most important developments."

He called on the forum to review the importance of challenges, difficulties and combating cybercrimes facing countries, organizations and individuals in the field of cyber security in the world, and to witness an international coordination and cooperation in the service of global cyber security.

Later, Saudi Aramco’s President and Chief Executive Officer Amin H. Nasser called for urged greater efforts to enhance regional cybersecurity collaboration and international cyber-deterrence. He proposed a more realistic and inclusive strategy to promote effective industry collaboration on cybersecurity, and encouraged businesses to work with governments and strengthen existing international frameworks.

Nasser stressed: “Aligning cybersecurity policy, collaborating on technology, and sharing information and experience beyond the fence, is non-negotiable,” noting that company fences and national boundaries are meaningless concepts in this domain. “To beat a network, we need to be a network.”

He said no institution could solely face cyber risks. It requires significant cooperation and partnership between all relevant stakeholders. It is therefore necessary to accelerate the development of a clear global framework that constitutes an international legal reference in cybersecurity governance and enhances measures against entities involved in cyber-terrorism.

Nasser shared Saudi Aramco’s achievement in building a cyber-resilient culture, saying: “Cybersecurity is one of the top corporate risks we address in our Enterprise Risk Management Program and is a personal priority for me.” — SPA