The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ICT Department) held, on April 21, 2021, a remote expert meeting on “Personal Data Protection and Cyber-security”.
At the start of the meeting, Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT Department, welcomed all participants and commended the fruitful cooperation with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the Lebanon National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the Arab Information and Communication Technology Organization, the Tunisian Childhood and Youth Cyber Prevention Association, and the Tunisian National Computer Security Agency.
In his opening statement, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, commended progress made in helping Arab countries explore the current digital realities and the cyber-security threats involved, as well as in conducting relevant surveys and technical studies, and organizing relevant workshops, seminars, panel discussions and training courses. These efforts are designed to enhance technological awareness for Arab children and youth in a rapidly evolving world, strengthen their ability to understand and properly use modern technologies, and make optimal use of digital services. This will help instill in youth a responsible cyber-education and culture, promote the optimal use of virtual spaces and ICTs, increase societal and family security, and enhance digital literacy.
Forty experts from various relevant disciplines took part in this meeting, representing the following Arab States : Tunisia, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Algeria, Yemen, Libya, and Iraq.
Experts stressed the importance of developing frameworks and enacting legislation to protect children in the digital environment in the Arab countries. They suggested creating a digital guidance platform for spreading the culture of cyber-security within Arab families, incorporating this concept within Arab education curricula, and raising awareness of its serious impact at all levels, especially on the life of children and youth.
Experts agreed to proceed with the preparation of a Manual of Guidance on Cyber-Security for Children, and a permanent expert committee will be set up to follow up implementation with the official bodies participating in this event.
