Mideast Communication Systems and East Mediterranean Gas Forum Partner to Strengthen Cybersecurity Skills for EmpowerMed Women Network
Mideast Communication Systems (MCS) and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program tailored for members of the EmpowerMed Women Network, an EMGF initiative dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and leadership.
The agreement was signed in Cairo by Mr. Osama Mobarez, Secretary General of EMGF, and Eng. Tarek Shabaka, CEO of MCS, during an official ceremony.
Under the MOU, MCS will deliver specialized cybersecurity training programs designed to equip EmpowerMed members with the knowledge and practical skills required to navigate today’s fast-evolving digital environment. With the energy sector among the industries most vulnerable to cyber threats, the initiative aims to strengthen digital resilience and empower women to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the sector’s future.
“Women’s empowerment is a strategic priority for EMGF. Through the EmpowerMed Women Network, we are committed to equipping women with the skills and opportunities needed to lead with impact,” said Mr. Mobarez. “Our collaboration with MCS is a forward-looking step that ensures our members are not only shaping the energy dialogue, but also enhancing the sector’s resilience against digital and cybersecurity challenges.”
Eng. Shabaka emphasized the role of training in building resilience: “Capacity building is the cornerstone of cybersecurity, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy. We are proud to partner with EMGF in this pioneering initiative, which exemplifies how the private sector and regional institutions can collaborate to address digital security challenges.”
The program will include multiple training tracks:
Cybersecurity awareness for non-specialized members,
Advanced training for IT professionals on emerging threats and defense strategies,
Engineer-focused modules to embed cybersecurity principles into system design from the outset.
This collaboration highlights EMGF’s commitment to gender equality and leadership development, while leveraging MCS’s expertise through its Xpand CS Academy, established in 2022 to deliver advanced cybersecurity training across the region.