Saudi Arabia is set to host the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit on October 2-3 in Riyadh, as part of the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF). The event, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, aims to foster international cooperation to secure a safe and empowering online environment for children globally.
Organized by the GCF Foundation and the National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with entities like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNICEF, the DQ Institute, and the WeProtect Global Alliance, the summit will convene leaders from government, the private sector, and non-profits to discuss strategies for online child protection.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the summit’s role in aligning global efforts to leverage technology for enriching children’s lives while safeguarding them from its risks. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and National Cybersecurity Authority Governor Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed both highlighted the critical need for a secure digital environment for children, who are increasingly engaging with modern technologies.
Dr. Yuhyun Park of the DQ Institute and Ian Drennan of the WeProtect Global Alliance both stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle the growing online threats facing children.
The GCF Foundation, established in 2023 as an independent body, supports this initiative by promoting dialogue and collaboration among cybersecurity experts globally. This year’s GCF, themed “Maximizing Joint Action in Cyberspace,” will explore a range of topics aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and supporting economic and social development worldwide.
