New York:The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, hosted a ceremony at the UN headquarters to reveal the winners of the first international Women in Cyber Awards. This event coincided with the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women; Abdulrahman Al Hassan, CEO of GCF; along with representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and cybersecurity leaders and experts.
The awards featured four categories recognizing government, private-sector, and nonprofit organizations from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka. The categories focused on building and supporting emerging talent, raising awareness of women's contributions, developing skills and advancing careers, and supporting women's access to leadership positions and entrepreneurship.
These categories aim to enhance women's participation in cybersecurity by connecting education, awareness, and training with labor-market demands. The initiative seeks to attract women into the field, support their career development, and advance their leadership roles, ultimately preparing women for key decision-making positions in cybersecurity.
In March, aligning with International Women's Day, the GCF announced the Women in Cyber Awards in partnership with the ITU and UN Women. This award is part of the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The awards emphasize successful institutional initiatives that promote women's roles and leadership in cybersecurity. They provide a global platform for sharing expertise and fostering sustainable actions to enhance women's participation in the cybersecurity sector worldwide.