During the Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting 2025, Mohamed Ben Amor, who serves as the director general of the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO), discussed the ways in which regional and global entities can enhance cybersecurity, manage the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), and establish the Arab region as an active player in global digital governance. Below are key points from the conversation.
What contributions can regional and international organisations make to bolster global cybersecurity
Regional and international bodies play a vital role in establishing a cohesive and resilient global cybersecurity framework. They facilitate teamwork among governments, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and gather intelligence on threats.
In the Arab world, organisations such as AICTO and the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Cybersecurity create opportunities for aligning policies, standardising regulations, and designing common training initiatives, ensuring even least developed countries (LDCs) can tap into shared expertise.
Additional support comes from international organisations like the ITU and UNDP, which provide capacity-building programs, technical support, and frameworks for international collaboration, essential for tackling threats that transcend national boundaries.
By merging regional insights with global expertise, these organisations foster resilient cybersecurity landscapes, advocate for a proactive defensive culture, and mitigate vulnerabilities that could be exploited on broader scales. Their role extends beyond advisory to operational, empowering nations to undertake actionable steps to fortify both individual and collective cyber defenses.
In an era where AI tools are widely adopted, how can we ensure we enhance our cybersecurity without inadvertently aiding cybercriminals
AI functions as a “double-edged sword.” Its integration into cybersecurity introduces both significant opportunities and potential liabilities. While AI can vastly improve defense mechanisms, it may also be exploited by cybercriminals if it falls into the wrong hands.
On one side, AI facilitates quicker threat detection, advanced analytics, and automated responses, which considerably bolster cybersecurity. Conversely, malicious actors can leverage the same AI technologies for tactics like phishing, malware creation, and social engineering.
To establish a proper balance, we should implement a multi-faceted strategy that includes Governance, Capacity Building, and Cooperation:
- Firstly: The application of AI in cybersecurity must be governed by strict ethical standards, defining acceptable practices, ensuring data protection, and establishing accountability measures.
- Secondly: Developing skills within organizations is crucial; staff must be educated to monitor AI systems, identify adversarial uses, and respond to AI-related threats and challenges.
- Thirdly: It is essential for regional and global stakeholders to collaborate, sharing intelligence, developing counter-strategies, and setting guidelines for responsible and ethical AI utilization.
By harmonising innovation with ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and educational initiatives, we can utilise AI to enhance cybersecurity while diminishing the likelihood of unintentionally granting power to harmful individuals and groups.
What are the contributions of AICTO to improving cybersecurity in the Arab region
AICTO has progressively established itself as a prominent advocate for enhancing cybersecurity across the Arab sphere.
As a regional hub, AICTO assists nations in crafting strategies, forming frameworks, and providing essential training and technical support to boost preparedness and resilience. In 2022, AICTO introduced the “Arab Cybersecurity Strategy,” laying out a plan for regional collaboration, policy alignment, and capability development.
AICTO also encourages the formation of regional Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and platforms for shared knowledge, allowing Arab nations to react swiftly and effectively to threats.
Another key initiative by AICTO involves linking Arab nations with global expertise through its membership in the World Information Congress (WIC), ensuring regional policies align with international best practices.
With a focus on policy guidance, technical assistance, and awareness initiatives in collaboration with both regional and global partners, AICTO enhances human and technical capabilities throughout the Arab region.
AICTO is dedicated to ensuring that Arab nations transition from being reactive to cyber threats to adopting a proactive stance, leveraging partnerships to construct robust systems, share knowledge, improve resilience, and integrate further into the global cybersecurity framework.
What are your expectations for your input during the Global Cybersecurity Forum Annual Meeting 2025
The Global Cybersecurity Forum serves as a vital platform for annual discussions on challenges, knowledge sharing, and learning exchanges.
This year, I am particularly eager to shed light on how collaboration within the region can enhance cybersecurity across the Arab nations.
I will be presenting the initiatives and programs spearheaded by AICTO in partnership with regional stakeholders, showcasing how they are actively shaping the immediate future of intelligence and digital governance. For instance, the Arab AI Ethical Charter establishes a regional guideline for responsible AI advancement and deployment, ensuring that innovation is in harmony with ethical values and societal norms.
Furthermore, initiatives including capacity-building programs, regional exercises in cybersecurity, and platforms for knowledge sharing will be highlighted as they enhance both technical abilities and policy frameworks.
Collectively, these measures underscore how AICTO and its partners are equipping the Arab region to effectively tackle emerging technological challenges, positioning it as an engaged player in global digital governance and cybersecurity resilience.
I anticipate meaningful connections with international partners, fostering discussions, and exploring avenues for expanding effective practices across borders.
Ultimately, I aim to stress that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, and that cultivating resilient systems and capable institutions in the Arab region brings benefits not only locally but also to the global digital ecosystem.