Saudi Arabia Strengthens Global Cybersecurity by Signing UN Convention Against Cybercrime
Riyadh — In a decisive step toward strengthening global digital security, Saudi Arabia has officially signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, joining 64 other nations in a historic international effort to fight online crime.
The agreement marks the first global crime-fighting treaty in over two decades and underscores the Kingdom’s growing leadership role in promoting a safer and more resilient cyberspace.
Representing Saudi Arabia at the signing ceremony was Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority.
The signing reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration, supporting efforts to enhance global security and stability in the digital realm.
It also reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s belief that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility—one that requires collective action, transparency, and mutual trust among nations.
Approved by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 after five years of negotiation, the Convention Against Cybercrime (CAC) provides the first worldwide legal framework for combating digital offenses.
It covers a wide range of cybercrimes, including ransomware, financial fraud, identity theft, data breaches, and the unauthorized sharing of private or intimate content.
The treaty aims to strengthen cooperation among countries, improve law enforcement coordination, and ensure justice for victims of transnational cybercrimes.
At the signing ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing cyber threats that transcend national borders.
He noted that while technology has brought remarkable progress, it has also created new vulnerabilities that criminals exploit for profit and power.
“Every day, sophisticated scams defraud families, steal livelihoods, and drain billions from global economies,” he said. Guterres also highlighted that “in cyberspace, nobody is safe until everybody is safe,” underscoring the importance of global solidarity in tackling cyber risks.
The UN chief described the convention as a milestone for digital justice and a crucial victory for victims of online exploitation.
It offers a clear path for investigators and prosecutors to pursue justice across jurisdictions, ensuring that borders no longer provide safe havens for cybercriminals.
The treaty not only focuses on punishment but also prioritizes preventive measures, technical cooperation, and capacity building among nations.
For Saudi Arabia, the signing aligns perfectly with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious roadmap for national transformation and digital excellence.
The country has made significant strides in establishing a secure, resilient, and forward-looking cybersecurity ecosystem.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) plays a central role in this transformation by developing national strategies, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and fostering an advanced regulatory environment that supports innovation without compromising security.
The NCA’s work extends beyond domestic protection. It represents Saudi Arabia in bilateral, regional, and international cybersecurity forums, helping shape global policies and standards.
The authority ensures the implementation of the Kingdom’s commitments to international cybersecurity cooperation while continuously enhancing readiness against emerging threats.
Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach reflects its understanding that cybersecurity is essential to global progress. By promoting responsible digital behavior, securing infrastructure, and supporting technological advancement, the Kingdom is contributing to the creation of a safer digital future for all.
Its participation in the UN convention demonstrates confidence in the power of global unity and shared expertise to build stronger defenses against cyber risks that affect governments, businesses, and individuals alike.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the new UN Convention Against Cybercrime provides a critical foundation for collaboration. It encourages nations to share intelligence, harmonize legal frameworks, and develop capabilities to respond swiftly to cross-border incidents.
For the Kingdom, this partnership represents not only a commitment to global peace and security but also a declaration that technology should remain a tool for development and prosperity, not division or exploitation.
With this signing, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a forward-looking nation dedicated to digital resilience, ethical innovation, and international cooperation.
The move strengthens global trust and reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to ensuring that cyberspace remains a secure, inclusive, and empowering space for generations to come.
