21 October 2026, Geneva, Switzerland -  Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved a headquarters agreement to open a UNITAR office in the country, together with a memorandum on cybersecurity cooperation between the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the UNITAR Cybersecurity Office. Announced by the Saudi Press Agency on 20 October 2026, the decision marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the United Nations and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strengthening the institutional foundations for long-term cooperation in cybersecurity capacity development, digital resilience and international knowledge exchange.

The approval follows the signing of the agreements in Riyadh on 11 June 2026 by H.E. Eng. Majed M. Al-Mazyed, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, and Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR.

The decision also carries strategic significance in the context of the ongoing transformation of the United Nations system. Following the United Nations General Assembly’s endorsement of the merger of UNITAR and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), the new United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI) will become operational on 1 January 2027. The Riyadh office is positioned to become UNICLI’s first newly established international project office, representing an early example of how the renewed institutional framework can advance partnerships with Member States and translate global commitments into practical capacity-development initiatives.

Developed in close partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, the office reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing international cybersecurity cooperation, building human capabilities and contributing to global digital resilience. It will serve as a platform for capacity development, institutional learning, research and knowledge exchange, connecting national expertise with international needs and priorities.

Through the establishment of the UNITAR Project Office in Riyadh and the Cyber Resilience Learning Platform, this collaboration will strengthen institutional capacities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support countries and organizations as they navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape - stated UNITAR Executive Director Gyles-McDonnough.

Strengthening cybersecurity requires more than technology, it also demands investment in people, skills, and institutions. Through this partnership with UNITAR, we aim to advance capacity-building and knowledge exchange that strengthen cyber resilience not only for the Kingdom and the region, but for the wider international community, - said H.E. Eng. Majed M. Al-Mazyed Governor of NCA, at the signing ceremony.

The partnership combines the United Nations’ global mandate and expertise in capacity development with Saudi Arabia’s global leadership and investment in cybersecurity. It aims to create opportunities for countries and institutions to strengthen their capabilities, share knowledge and respond more effectively to emerging challenges in the digital environment. As the United Nations advances its reform agenda to deliver more coherent, efficient and impactful support to Member States, the establishment of the Riyadh office demonstrates the value of sustained partnerships in connecting international cooperation with national and global priorities.

The Office will directly train 3,100 government officials and cybersecurity professionals from around the world, indirectly strengthen the capacity of 15,090 beneficiaries from the cybersecurity sector, and establish a global knowledge platform projected to reach 95,000 registered users. UNITAR looks forward to working closely with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Cybersecurity Authority to translate this important milestone into lasting results for institutions, communities and societies worldwide.

UNITAR remains grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Cybersecurity Authority for their continued support and strategic partnership built over the years.