Riyadh, February 4, 2020, SPA -- On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, inaugurated today the Global Cybersecurity Forum, being organized by the National Cybersecurity Authority at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in the presence of ministers and international experts in cyber security. The Governor of Riyadh Region delivered a speech in which he 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 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince 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 Cybersecurity Authority and the great support it finds as a model for this development. Prince Faisal announced the issuance of a directive of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to adopt two initiatives from His Royal Highness to serve global cyber security, noting that 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, and the second initiative is the empowerment of women in cybersecurity, with the aim of supporting them for active participation in this field and promoting the professional development of women, and increasing human capital for cybersecurity. He drew attention to the fact that the Kingdom of 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 and in energy and industrial production, banking services, communications services, medical, human services, scientific research, other security, economic services and systems; which necessitate enhancing cybersecurity. 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", calling on the forum to review the importance of challenges, difficulties and combating cybercrimes facing countries, organizations and individuals in the field of cybersecurity in the world, and to witness an international coordination and cooperation in the service of global cybersecurity. He expressed his confidence that the forum will present to the world the results of the experiences of countries in the field of cybersecurity in a manner that enhances confidence and joint responsibility among countries and supports their development and economy. --SPA 14:39 LOCAL TIME 11:39 GMT 0008 www.spa.gov.sa/w1259708