Dr. Mona Al-Achkar Jabbour Elevates Lebanon's Name Globally by Winning a Prestigious Cybersecurity Award

In a new global achievement reflecting the excellence of Lebanese talent on the international stage, Professor Dr. Mona Al-Achkar Jabbour has been named among the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Cybersecurity for 2026. This international honor was presented during the annual ceremony organized by the United Cybersecurity Alliance on July 2, 2026, at the historic Schattenburg Castle in Austria.

This recognition is one of the most prominent global awards celebrating pioneering women in cybersecurity. It highlights individuals who have made a tangible impact on the development of digital security, contributed to enhancing digital governance, led strategic initiatives, and empowered communities to face rapidly accelerating cyber challenges.

Global Competition Among Thousands of Specialists

The 2026 edition witnessed the participation of more than 5,000 female specialists from around the world. They were evaluated by an international jury based on rigorous criteria, including professional achievements, social impact, innovation, leadership, and contributions to developing digital policies and legislation, before selecting the twenty women who left an exceptional mark on this vital sector.

Reaching this list is not only a celebration of technical excellence; it represents global recognition of the leadership role women play in building a more secure and sustainable digital future, and in breaking traditional barriers to their participation in one of the most advanced and competitive technology sectors.

Honoring a Pioneering Career

Dr. Mona Al-Achkar Jabbour's selection came in appreciation of her distinguished professional and academic career, and her contributions to developing the fields of cyber law, digital governance, digital policies and legislation, personal data protection, and artificial intelligence. It also recognizes her efforts in establishing the importance of the legal framework as a core pillar of the modern cybersecurity ecosystem.

Through her research, advisory, and academic work, she has contributed to raising legal awareness of digital challenges and linking technological development with principles of good governance, serving both institutions and communities in confronting cyber risks.

A Message from Lebanon to the World

Dr. Jabbour dedicated this achievement to Lebanon, and to all her colleagues and partners who shared her journey of work and success. She emphasized that international achievements are not measured by the scale of available resources, but rather by will, hard work, and belief in the human capacity to drive change.

She also expressed her appreciation to the organizers of the initiative, foremost among them Ms. Carmen Marsh, Dr. Reem Al-Shammari, and Dr. Lina Oueidat, praising their efforts in building a global professional network that supports women in cybersecurity, promotes knowledge exchange and international cooperation, and prepares female leaders capable of shaping the future of the sector.

Remarkable Arab Presence

The current edition of the event featured a remarkable presence of female experts and specialists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The honoring of several female leaders reflected the rapid development the region is witnessing in the fields of cybersecurity and digital transformation, as well as the growing role of women in leading tech initiatives and shaping digital policies.

Women as Key Partners in Building Digital Security

In a speech delivered during the ceremony, Dr. Jabbour stressed that the future of cybersecurity requires diversity in expertise and leadership, and that women's participation is no longer an option, but has become a necessity to achieve innovation and enhance the capacity to face digital challenges.

She said:

"Lebanon is a small country, and it does not possess unlimited resources, countless laboratories, or massive teams. However, it possesses a will that knows no impossible. With this will, we built what we could build, step by step, and with our own hands."

She added:

"Lebanese people were determined to have a seat at the global table. When we did not find the table that reflected our ambitions, we made our own table and invited everyone to it. The future of our digital security is not built by capabilities alone, but by knowledge, will, and the depth of determination."

An Achievement Reflecting the Image of a Creative Lebanon

This achievement confirms that Lebanese talents, despite the challenges they face, remain capable of competing in international forums and contributing to shaping the future of technology and cybersecurity. It also highlights the importance of investing in education, scientific research, digital governance, and women's empowerment as essential elements for building a sustainable digital economy and a more secure and innovative society.

This recognition marks a new milestone in Dr. Mona Al-Achkar Jabbour's journey. It stands as a message of hope, proving that knowledge, commitment, and a clear vision can elevate individuals to global stages of appreciation, and that Lebanon will remain present through its talents and the creativity of its people across various fields.