Amr Yehia

The Arab League and the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers have discussed strengthening coordination among Arab states as the region seeks to build a more secure and trusted cyberspace amid accelerating technological transformation and increasingly complex cross-border cyber threats.

Ambassador Dr. Fayed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, said that building a more secure and reliable Arab cyberspace had become a necessity rather than a luxury, given the unprecedented pace of technological transformation, growing dependence on digital infrastructure and the increasing scale and complexity of cross-border threats.

He stressed that these developments require a coordinated Arab response encompassing legislation and regulatory frameworks, stronger coordination mechanisms, the exchange of expertise, experience and information, the development of national capabilities and specialised competencies, and greater public awareness of cybersecurity issues.

His remarks came during the opening of a meeting between the permanent delegates of Arab states and a delegation from the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, headed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Arab League General Secretariat as part of efforts to strengthen institutional communication and coordination.

Strengthening Arab coordination on cybersecurity

The meeting provided a platform for dialogue on ways to deepen cooperation and integration between the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, Arab League member states and the various sectors and departments of the League’s General Secretariat.

The Council’s General Secretariat delivered a comprehensive briefing on its institutional structure and activities since its establishment, reviewing its main achievements and outlining priorities for the next phase.

Discussions also focused on opportunities for closer coordination in pursuit of several strategic objectives, including aligning cybersecurity efforts among Arab states, protecting the interests of member states within relevant international organisations and developing common Arab positions on cybersecurity issues.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers operates under the umbrella of the League of Arab States. Its mandate includes developing general policies, strategies and priorities for joint Arab action on cybersecurity, addressing security, economic, developmental and legislative dimensions of cyber policy, and adopting joint plans to implement agreed strategies. Its 2026 annual plan and the framework for its committees and working groups were approved earlier this year.

A more integrated approach to regional cyber resilience

The talks come as Arab institutions seek to deepen cooperation in an area increasingly linked not only to national security, but also to economic resilience, critical infrastructure, digital transformation and public services.

Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih has served as Secretary-General of the Council since his appointment for a five-year term in December 2024. Recent initiatives involving the Council have focused on coordinating joint efforts, exchanging expertise, building capabilities and strengthening digital trust across the Arab region.

The meeting concluded with interventions and questions from the Arab states’ delegates, followed by responses from representatives of the Council’s General Secretariat, as both sides explored areas for further cooperation and ways to maximise the benefits of joint Arab action in cybersecurity.

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