International

Launch of Cyber Diplomacy Program

SPA - New York

Date of publication: July 23, 2026 18:04 KSA

The International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), launched a capacity-building program in cyber diplomacy, targeting representatives of states participating in the United Nations Global Mechanism on Information and Communications Technology in the Context of International Security. The program's work began at UN headquarters in New York, coinciding with the first thematic session of the Global Mechanism from July 20 to 24, 2026.

The program comes under the Global Initiative for International Capacity Building in Cyberspace, launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, in cooperation with the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SAIT), and in partnership with the United Nations and its specialized agencies during the 2025 edition of the International Cybersecurity Forum. The program aims to develop capacities in cyber diplomacy and effective participation in the work of the UN Global Mechanism on Information and Communications Technology in the Context of International Security, thereby contributing to broadening the base of member state participation in the UN dialogue toward shaping cybersecurity priorities, and consolidating the principle of shared responsibility in building a safer, more resilient, and prosperous cyberspace for states and societies.

The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, affirmed that challenges related to information and communications technology security are cross-border in nature, noting that enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of UN outputs in this regard must be based on inclusiveness and cooperation. The CEO of the International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Hassan, explained that this program is the first output of the Global Initiative for International Capacity Building in Cyberspace, which embodies the Kingdom’s firm approach that investment in human capital is a pillar of development and prosperity in all fields, especially vital ones such as cybersecurity. It is noteworthy that the Global Initiative for International Capacity Building in Cyberspace includes several tracks, including research and development programs, training programs, and workshops, aimed at developing the skills of a wide range of beneficiaries, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, and specialists in the field from around the world.