Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) Foundation has announced the launch of the "Child Protection in Cyberspace Index" in collaboration with the DQ Institute and other relevant international organizations.
This initiative aligns with the strategic goals of the global initiative launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to enhance teamwork and unite international efforts to raise awareness among decision-makers regarding the increasing threats children face in cyberspace. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen the global response through international cooperation as a strategic tool to address vital issues related to child protection in cyberspace.
The foundation announced the development of the "Child Protection in Cyberspace Index" during the GCF 2025, held in Riyadh. This index serves as a global tool designed to measure the progress made in creating a safer cyberspace environment for children. Additionally, it provides decision-makers with practical insights that can enhance child protection in cyberspace. The index is grounded in a comprehensive measurement methodology.
The Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) initiative aims to achieve significant global goals. It seeks to reach over 150 million children worldwide, develop cyber safety skills for more than 16 million beneficiaries, and support the implementation of frameworks to address cyber threats to children in over 50 countries.
The GCF recently conducted a global study that emphasized the urgent need for child protection in cyberspace. This study involved over 40,000 participants from 24 countries across six regions worldwide. It helped create a comprehensive understanding of international needs, leading to the development of an integrated strategy. As a result, national frameworks, guidelines, and international projects were established, which the GCF Foundation is working to implement in collaboration with various international partners.
The GCF Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has launched a program designed to enhance child protection in cyberspace. As part of this initiative, the foundation has announced its support for helplines for children in over 30 countries. Moreover, it aims to develop training frameworks for more than five million parents and caregivers to educate them on the essentials of cyber safety for children.
The CPC initiative is becoming increasingly important due to the growing global threats and the limited preparedness of country-level responses. In July 2025, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by Saudi Arabia regarding the protection of children in cyberspace. This resolution stems from the global initiative led by the Crown Prince to ensure the safety of children in cyberspace. It reflects the strategic objectives of the initiative and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to creating a safer cyberspace for children worldwide.
The GCF Foundation was established in 2023 through a royal order as an independent institution with a global focus. One of its primary responsibilities is to oversee the implementation of the Crown Prince's two global initiatives. The foundation aims to unify efforts among stakeholders worldwide by fostering partnerships, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences and expertise. It also fosters dialogue among leading experts on cybersecurity topics related to child protection and women's empowerment, thereby supporting economic and social development worldwide.
