Saudi Arabia, in a major partnership with the United Nations, has launched the Global Initiative for Capacity Building in Cyberspace to tackle the critical worldwide shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The program was announced at the Global Cybersecurity Forum 2025 in Riyadh and will be led by the Kingdom’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA).
Addressing a Critical Global Shortfall
The initiative directly responds to a growing crisis in the digital defense sector. According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Report issued by the forum, there is a global shortfall of 2.8 million cybersecurity workers. The report also found that 43% of information security executives report significant skills gaps within their own organizations, highlighting an urgent need for skilled professionals to combat rising digital threats.
A Multi-Track Approach to Capacity Building
The comprehensive program is built on five core tracks designed to foster a robust global cybersecurity ecosystem: research and development, cyber simulation and exercises, training, policy development, and workshops. Through these efforts, the initiative will deliver expert-led training, practical cyber drills, and crucial policy support to a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, and technical professionals across the globe.
Spearheaded by a Coalition of Global Partners
This significant undertaking is a collaboration between key Saudi entities, including the NCA, the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), and the Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation. They will be supported by a powerful coalition of UN agencies such as the UNDP, ITU, and UNODC, along with INTERPOL and other international partners. In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the launch, emphasizing that global cooperation is essential to “build skills and foster inclusion” for a safer digital future.
About The National Cybersecurity Authority
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is the government entity in Saudi Arabia with primary responsibility for cybersecurity affairs in the Kingdom. It serves as the national authority for all cybersecurity matters, working to enhance the protection of the nation’s networks, information technology systems, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
