Governments must fundamentally adapt and modernise their approach to global security to effectively counter the rising power of non-state actors who are exploiting rapid technological advancements, according to HE Dr Hessa bin Sultan al-Jaber.“The rising power of non-state actors is not a distant threat; it’s a risk,” she said, stressing that transnational criminal networks, cybersecurity groups, and ideological militants already operate with a speed and agility that far surpasses that of traditional governments.Dr al-Jaber, Qatar's former Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and current member of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG and chairperson of Trio Investment, delivered high-level remarks at the Global Security Forum 2025 in Doha on Monday, highlighting the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how nations address evolving security threats.She noted that these actors move capital, influence societies, and expand both digital and physical borders, all while formal institutions struggle to keep up.In her speech, Dr al-Jaber underlined the staggering scale of the underground cyber-economy, estimating that more than $2tn circulates within it, fueling corruption, conflict, and instability across the globe.“Transnational networks now control key industries, challenging state authority beyond national borders,” she said.Drawing from her background, Dr al-Jaber cited the power of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and altering political narratives at a pace governments struggle to manage. She explained that these networks are fluid, decentralised, and borderless, exploiting gaps in jurisdiction and adapting faster than legal systems can evolve.She pointed out that innovation is accelerating the reach of these actors, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), decentralised finance, and synthetic media lowering the barriers to disruption.“What once required the infrastructure of a nation-state now demands only a laptop and global network,” Dr al-Jaber said.She cited the limitations of traditional governmental approaches, such as border control, static defenses, and containment strategies, which are often bypassed or outpaced by the tactics of these actors.“This is not a fight for dominance; it’s a challenge for adaptation,” Dr al-Jaber said, outlining a multi-pronged approach to address the threat. First, strengthening international co-operation is essential, recognising that non-state actors move freely across borders while institutions remain divided.Another key element is modernising governance by implementing faster, more flexible systems for collaboration and enforcement to match the speed of emerging technologies. She said that adapting to new technology is also crucial, building capacity to understand, regulate, and responsibly use tools like AI and decentralised blockchain finance.She noted that rebuilding public trust also plays a crucial role, recognising societal divisions as vulnerabilities and fostering transparency, accountability, and civic engagement to enhance resilience.Dr al-Jaber warned that outdated structures and fragmented efforts will lead to failure. However, by adapting, operating, and modernising together, nations can not only meet these challenges but also shape a more secure and resilient global order.