Naif University hosts international forum in Paris on digital threats to global security

An international scientific seminar titled "Emerging Threats to International Peace and Security in the Digital Age" began yesterday in Paris, organized by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in cooperation with the Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies. The event brings together leading experts and specialists from Arab countries and representatives of several international organizations, and will run for three days.

During his speech during the opening of the seminar, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Harfash, Vice President for External Relations at the university, emphasized that rapid digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence and cyberspace have created new forms of cross-border threats. He stressed that building a secure digital environment is a collective responsibility, requiring coordinated efforts among governments, international organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions.

Al-Harfash explained that, under the guidance of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the University’s Supreme Council, the university places special focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. It has established the Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Center as a specialized Arab reference, alongside the Security Artificial Intelligence Center to support the future of security work and develop innovative, research-driven solutions.

He added that the university has launched three pioneering academic programs: a master's in cybercrime and digital forensics, a master's in security artificial intelligence, and an advanced diploma in cybercrime and digital forensics. These initiatives aim to align with international trends in preparing professionals capable of addressing security challenges related to modern technologies.

Strengthening international cooperation against cyber threats

Al-Harfash noted that the university has implemented dozens of scientific and training programs in more than 52 countries in partnership with leading international organizations, most notably INTERPOL. The university also contributes to security knowledge and enriches scientific discussion on emerging security issues through its research efforts.

For his part, Dr. Richard Amalfi, Academic Director of the Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fouad Nahra, Dean of Studies at the center, highlighted the importance of promoting international dialogue, exchanging expertise, and developing effective partnerships between academic institutions and specialized international bodies to address growing digital challenges. He commended Naif University’s efforts in this field.

The seminar is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides. It aims to analyze modern cyber threats and their impact on international peace and security, discuss the concept and forms of cyber warfare, review international legal frameworks for combating cybercrime, and enhance national capacities and mechanisms for cooperation between countries and international organizations to counter cross-border cyberattacks.