RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and the United Nations (UN) announced the Global Initiative for Capacity Building in Cyberspace on Wednesday at the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Riyadh.

The initiative addresses a global shortage of 2.8 million cybersecurity professionals and widespread skills gaps reported by 43% of information security executives, according to the GCF 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Report.

It will deliver expert-led workshops, training programs, cyber drills, policy development support, and collaborative R&D to enhance the skills of practitioners worldwide from policymakers to law enforcement and cyber diplomats.

Implementation will be led by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), and GCF, in partnership with UN agencies including UNDP, UNODA, UNODC, UNICRI, UNIDIR, and ITU, alongside INTERPOL and other global partners.

NCA Governor Majed Al-Mazyed said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing cybersecurity worldwide. “This multistakeholder initiative will complement efforts across borders to build the skills and resilience needed for a safer Cyberspace for all,” he said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the launch, stressing that global cooperation is essential to ensure Cyberspace serves the common good.

“We must act together by investing in people, building skills, and fostering inclusion,” he said, praising Saudi Arabia’s initiative and GCF’s focus on issues such as child protection and women’s empowerment in cybersecurity.

The announcement adds to Saudi Arabia’s broader global efforts in Cyberspace, including its Child Protection in Cyberspace and Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiatives launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. — SG