Muscat
The National Defense College at the Academy of Strategic and Defense Studies concluded today its annual seminar on strategic issues titled “Digital Sovereignty and Its Impact on National Security,” under the patronage of Major General Khalifa bin Ali Al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
In his speech, Rear Admiral Ali bin Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of the National Defense College at the Academy of Strategic and Defense Studies, stated: “Digital sovereignty represents the right of nations and peoples to have complete control over their digital environment and to make decisions regarding data and technology in accordance with their interests and national security. It emphasizes the importance of preserving privacy and digital freedom, and ensuring the protection of individuals and institutions from external threats.”
He added: “From this perspective, it has become essential for countries to develop policies and legislation that ensure control over the digital space. Digital sovereignty is not only a legal right but also a strategic and security necessity to ensure independence and fairness in dealing with advanced technologies.”
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants presented a set of initiatives aimed at finding suitable solutions to the challenges facing artificial intelligence applications in the Sultanate of Oman.
The seminar aimed to study the strategic dimension of protecting digital infrastructure, the importance of safeguarding national data and its implications for national security, the strategic significance of developing technology production and services, the state’s ability to control national content and information flow, the policies and laws that could enhance digital sovereignty, and to engage participants in strategic planning and formulating national initiatives.
The closing ceremony was attended by a number of senior leaders from military and security agencies, several honored guests, a number of dignitaries, senior officers from the Sultan’s Armed Forces and military and security agencies, participants in the twelfth National Defense Course, several academics, and a gathering of invitees.
