Doha: Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the Technology Diplomacy Roundtable organised by the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), in the presence of Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of the DCO. The session took place on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Secretary General emphasised that the world is becoming increasingly dependent on digital infrastructures that support modern economies, essential services, and communications. He noted that any disruption to these systems, including attacks on submarine cables, failures in digital identity platforms, or the spread of misinformation, can lead to instability and the interruption of vital services.
He stated that this reality requires the international community to strengthen solidarity and build shared frameworks that preserve international digital legitimacy during cyber crises. He added that the GCC will continue to be an active and forward-looking partner in supporting international efforts aimed at achieving global and comprehensive digital security.
Albudaiwi highlighted that the GCC states have made significant progress through the Unified Gulf Strategy for Cybersecurity, major investments in cloud infrastructure, and the development of human capital. He also referred to the organisation of joint cyber exercises that simulate real-world risks, along with the development of digital platforms for early warning and coordination during cyber incidents.
The Secretary General also emphasised the importance of countries supporting each other when essential digital systems fail. This includes technical and operational cooperation frameworks, joint incident-response mechanisms, and, when necessary, the temporary use of digital infrastructure from neighbouring countries, while respecting national sovereignty and the privacy of systems.
He mentioned that several digital sectors require strong international protection to prevent escalation and safeguard civilian lives. These include energy and fuel control systems, telecommunications networks, submarine cables, healthcare and emergency systems, financial networks, digital payment systems, government services, and logistics and transportation networks.
Albudaiwi also highlighted the need to establish international red lines that prohibit targeting systems whose breakdown could cause serious political or military escalation, including early warning systems and command-and-control systems.
The Secretary General concluded by saying that achieving peace and stability in cyberspace requires shared political will to create binding international rules that prioritise the protection of human life over technology, ensure the continuity of essential services, and preserve the sovereignty and security of nations in an increasingly interconnected world.