The Global Summit on Child Protection in Cyberspace will take place in Riyadh in October 2024 as part of the International Cybersecurity Forum’s agenda and is being organized by the International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation and the National Cybersecurity Authority. The summit aims to promote international cooperation to create a safe and empowering online environment for children worldwide, with the participation of key decision-makers, government representatives, international organizations, and stakeholders. The event will include discussions on initiatives to protect children in cyberspace in light of the increasing use of technology by young individuals.
The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, highlighted the importance of the summit in coordinating efforts to harness the potential of technology in children’s lives while protecting them from online risks. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the United Nations specialized agency for information and communications technology, emphasized that safeguarding children online is a shared responsibility and a pressing issue, especially given the significant amount of time children spend on the internet. Eng. Majid Al-Mazid, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, confirmed that the summit will bring together key stakeholders to address initiatives aimed at maximizing the impact of protecting children in cyberspace.
Dr. Yoo-hyun Park, founder of the DQ Institute, stressed the need for coordinated multi-stakeholder collaboration to enhance children’s safety in cyberspace. Ian Drennan, CEO of the WeProtect Global Alliance, underlined the urgency of addressing threats to children online and focusing on creating a safer digital environment for young individuals globally. The International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation, established in 2023 by royal decree, seeks to unify global efforts in cybersecurity by facilitating partnerships, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise between experts in the field to support economic and social development worldwide.
The theme of this year’s International Cybersecurity Forum is “Maximizing Collaboration in Cyberspace” and will feature discussions on key topics including overcoming cyber diversities, cyber behavior, social structure in cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber horizons. By bringing together leaders and decision-makers from various sectors, the summit aims to ensure that children have a safe and secure online environment to learn and socialize. This international event will address the pressing need for cooperation in protecting children in cyberspace and highlight the importance of collective action to create a positive and empowering digital space for the younger generation.
