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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia can serve as a “platform for cooperation” and the advancement of digital developments, as it is a “great place” for global conversation, according to a former European Commission president. 

Speaking at the third Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh, Jose Manuel Barroso, who also served as prime minister of Portugal, emphasized that this cooperative platform can be further developed and expanded to go beyond discussions and result in concrete actions to address various issues.  

He said: “I believe we need places like Saudi Arabia that can offer a platform for cooperation, and I hope that can be developed so that this conversation, not only conversation, hopefully some action can take place.”   

During the panel discussion, Kersti Kaljulaid, former president of the Republic of Estonia, emphasized that the Kingdom has the potential to drive and positively impact developments. 

She used her country, Estonia, as an example of how it can catalyze progress in digital development within the EU, particularly concerning digital identities. She stressed that in the past, technology in this area was outdated. 

“The European Union has decided that all EU countries had to offer all their citizens digital identities and in addition, they had to interoperate. So absolutely this country can be a catalyst for positive things,” Kaljulaid said. 
She underscored that in the 20th century, technological development was primarily led and controlled by governments. In the 21st century, there appears to be a shift toward more collaborative and diverse efforts, potentially involving both governments and the private sector in advancing technology. 

Highlighting the complexities of international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, Barroso pointed out that some major global powers are reluctant to fully share their expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

“They may share some, but not everything,” he noted. 

For instance, Barroso added, that when it comes to combating cybercrime in the business sector, it is feasible. According to the best available statistics, he estimated the cost of cybercrime amounts to $8 trillion per year, and it is projected to increase to $10.5 trillion in the next two years.

During the Saudi-EU Investment Forum in October, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih highlighted the crucial role of Saudi-EU coordination in the Kingdom’s ongoing economic transitions. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to meet Europe’s needs “like no other.”  

The GCF, hosted by the National Cybersecurity Authority and the Saudi Information Technology Co., is dedicated to addressing some of the most urgent challenges in cyberspace. 

Furthermore, it aims to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration on a global level, bringing together industry experts, decision-makers, CEOs, senior government and academic representatives, as well as international companies from over 120 countries.