The Saudi capital Riyadh will host in February the first-of-its-kind Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF). The event will be organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The two-day forum will bring together a range of decision-makers and experts from government, business and academia, as well as investors and representatives of international organizations to address cyber opportunities, challenges, threats and risks, said the NCA. The discussions will aim to strengthen international collaboration, facilitate the launch of both national and international initiatives to create a secure and prosperous cyberworld, as well as develop domestic capabilities in support of Vision 2030. The event reflects the rising importance of cybersecurity in today’s international business environment, as emphasized in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s speech at this year’s G-20 Osaka Summit. The event will also coincide with Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the upcoming G-20 Summit in Riyadh, as well as major investment projects under Vision 2030. According to the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Saudi Arabia is ranked as the top Arab nation and 13th in the world for its commitment to cybersecurity. The forum will highlight Saudi Arabia’s current and future initiatives that aim at creating a secure cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity. It will also leverage the local and global economic opportunities presented by rapid technological changes to establish a globe-leading cybersecurity industry.