The Global CISO Summit 2026 is taking place in Lahore as part of the 27th edition of ITCN Asia, marking a significant moment for Pakistan’s cybersecurity community. Traditionally associated with Karachi, this year’s move to the Expo Centre Lahore highlights the expanding national importance of digital security and technology leadership. The event runs from January 17 to January 19, 2026, drawing experts from across the country and beyond.
The summit brings together chief information security officers, policymakers, technology leaders, and emerging professionals to discuss how organisations can stay secure in a world shaped by rapid digital growth and artificial intelligence.
Event Overview and Venue
The Expo Centre Lahore serves as the central venue for both ITCN Asia and the Global CISO Summit. Major sessions are held in the Main Auditorium and the Global Stage, while dedicated summit rooms host focused roundtable discussions. The environment supports both high-level strategy talks and practical conversations on modern cybersecurity challenges.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Global CISO Summit & Future Leaders Awards |
| Edition | 27th |
| Associated Event | ITCN Asia 2026 |
| Dates | January 17–19, 2026 |
| Main Summit Day | January 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Expo Centre Lahore |
Schedule Highlights for January 18, 2026
The main summit day is carefully structured to cover leadership discussions, inclusive initiatives, and recognition of young talent. Sessions run in parallel across different venues to address diverse aspects of cybersecurity.
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Global CISO Summit | Main Auditorium (Global Stage) |
| 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM | SheLeads Cyber Security Roundtable | Summit Room |
| 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Future Leaders Awards | Main Auditorium (Global Stage) |
| 03:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Cybersecurity Supply Chain Management | Summit Room |
Emphasis on National Cyber Resilience
The opening sessions focus strongly on national cyber resilience. Speakers discuss how Pakistan’s digital infrastructure now plays a key role in economic stability and public trust. With AI-driven threats becoming more advanced, leaders emphasise that cybersecurity decisions must be made at the executive level, not limited to technical teams alone.
SheLeads Cyber Security Initiative
A key feature of the day is the SheLeads Cyber Security roundtable. This session highlights women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity, focusing on career growth, mentorship, and reducing the gender gap in technical roles. The discussion reflects a broader commitment to building inclusive and diverse security teams.
Future Leaders Awards and Recognition
The Future Leaders Awards take place in the afternoon, honouring young professionals who have shown innovation in threat detection, risk management, and defensive strategies. These awards aim to encourage fresh thinking and recognise individuals shaping the future of cybersecurity in Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
The Global CISO Summit 2026 in Lahore blends experience with vision. Rooted in proven security practices, the summit also looks forward to new challenges brought by digital transformation. As ITCN Asia continues, the discussions and insights shared at the CISO Summit are expected to influence how organisations across Pakistan strengthen their digital defences in the years ahead.
