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Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events 2026
12–14 OCT 2026· 3 days · In person
CST Headquarters · Riyadh
Free
About the event
The Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events bring together, under one umbrella, the Connecting the World from the Skies forum on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and the Space Sustainability Forum (SSF), both in their third editions. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) organises them in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at CST headquarters in the Al Nakheel district of Riyadh from 12 to 14 October 2026, under the theme “Connected Earth, Sustainable Space” and the patronage of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who chairs CST.
Three days of keynotes, panel discussions and technology demonstrations follow eight themes: integrated connectivity for the 6G era, paving the way to WRC-27, unlocking direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, space economies and emerging markets, space as critical infrastructure, space-enabled sustainability on Earth, global governance and responsible behaviour in space, and managing congestion, mitigating interference and preventing space debris. The programme is aimed at national and international regulators in the space and satellite communications sectors, device manufacturers, space service providers, and leading global researchers and technology experts, and it announces the winners of the global NTN 2026 research competition, run by CST with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which carries US$30,000 in awards.
Registration is free and made in advance through an online form on the event website, with categories for corporate organisations, government and regulators, not-for-profits and NGOs, academics, press and media, and individuals; press and media registration is by application. A joint ITU–Saudi Arabia masterclass on space communications infrastructure and satellite regulation takes place on 11 October, limited to 40 selected participants who apply separately. For delegates travelling from abroad, the event website carries guidance on the visa on arrival, the tourist e-visa and the business visit visa, as well as on hotels and getting around Riyadh.
Agenda
25- 11:00–11:30Joint Grand Opening & High-Level Keynotes — Welcome AddressesWelcome addresses from the Secretary-General of ITU and the Governor of CST. Speakers: Haytham AlOhali, Governor, CST; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, ITU.
- 11:30–12:20Joint Grand Opening & High-Level Keynotes — Thought Leadership Panel DiscussionA high-level thought leadership panel discussion addressing both the satellite connectivity and space sustainability agendas. All speakers and interventions to represent both event pillars with the aim of setting the scene for the discussions over the 3 days. Moderator: Frank Salzgeber, CEO and Founder, Altairi Space. Speakers: Aarti Holla-Maini, Director, UNOOSA; Philip Marnick, General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Bahrain; Adel Al-Saleh, CEO, SES; Abel Avellan, Chairman & CEO, AST SpaceMobile; Haithem Alfaraj, CEO, Neo Space Group (NSG).
- 12:20–12:35Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Speaker: Saifur Rahman, Professor and Director, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute.
- 13:20–14:15From Ambition to Access: The Role of Satellite in Achieving Universal AccessWhat will it take to connect the billions who remain unconnected, and what role can NTNs play in this? This session explores the current state of the global satellite connectivity landscape, the evolving roles of GEO, MEO and LEO operators, the emergence of direct-to-device services, and the technological, commercial and regulatory challenges that will shape the road to universal access. Moderator: Isabelle Mauro, Director General, GSOA. Speakers: Gilles Bregant, CEO, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR); Badr NAlsuwaidan, CEO & President, ARABSAT; Mark Rigolle, CEO, ABS Satellite; Timothy Adi Ashong, Director General, RASCOM.
- 14:15–14:30Presentation of the winners of the “Non-Terrestrial Networks 2026” International Research CompetitionPresentation Ceremony to announce the winners of the 3rd edition of the IEEE "Non-Terrestrial Networks 2026" International Research Competition. Speaker: Saifur Rahman, Professor and Director, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute.
- 14:45–15:40A Shared Responsibility: Shaping Global Norms and Responsible Behaviour for a Sustainable SpaceThe role of international frameworks, transparency, standards and confidence-building measures. How can global coordination mechanisms foster responsible behaviour across all space actors - from legacy operators to new commercial mega-constellation entrants? Moderator: Hamza Hameed, Member, ITU Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Board. Speakers: Matej Siget, Global Space Law Project, UNOOSA; Kamal Alharbi, Chief Space Technology and Application Officer, Saudi Space Agency; Olga Volynskaya, Assistant Professor, Prince Sultan University (PSU); Maher Khoury, Senior Vice President, International Sales, Leolabs; Sandeep Bastola, Chief Operating Officer | Satellite Systems Lead, Project-S.
- 15:55–16:10Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Speaker: Ashraf AlTahini, CEO, Aramco Digital.
- 16:10–17:05Direct-to-Device (i): Evolving Business Models, Partnerships and the Path to CommercialisationThe first of two sessions on direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity will focus on the commercial and partnership landscape shaping the technology's development. It will explore emerging business models, evolving market structures, and the growing partnerships between satellite and mobile network operators. The discussion will examine how these collaborations can support the successful commercialisation and scaling of D2D services, while highlighting the broader social and economic benefits that widespread D2D connectivity can deliver. Moderator: Herman Schepers, Founder and Managing Partner, Policy Impact Partners. Speakers: Amy Mehlman, EVP & Chief Global Affairs Officer, Elveo Mobile; Barbee Ponder, General Counsel & VP Regulatory Affairs, Globalstar; Abdullah Aljohani, CTO, Neo Space Group (NSG); Chafic Traboulsi, Senior Vice President, Direct Sales, EMEA & APAC, Ookla.
- 17:05–18:00Growth Without Compromise: Balancing Connectivity Ambitions with Space SustainabilityScaling satellite connectivity is no longer just a question of capacity and coverage; it is a question of responsibility. This session examines how connectivity ambitions depend on, and must be balanced against, responsible space governance; exploring whether the two goals are in tension or ultimately mutually reinforcing. It will take a broad view of sustainability, spanning not only orbital congestion and debris but also equitable spectrum access, interference-free use, and fair access to space for all nations. Moderator: Jorge Ciccorossi, Head, Space Strategy & Sustainability Division, ITU. Speakers: Martin Fenton, Director, Non Terrestrial Spectrum, Ofcom UK; Mohaned Juwad, Vice President, Middle East Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Viasat; David Goldstein, Principal Engineer, SpaceX; Yuemei Hu, Expert, Research Institute of Radio Spectrum Development, Utilization and Technological Innovation, China.
- 18:00–18:15Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Speaker: Vinicius Oliveira Caram Guimarães, Spectrum and Orbit Superintendent, National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), Brazil.
- 10:00–10:15Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Speaker: Carlos Foradori, Chair, UN PAROS, United Nations.
- 10:15–11:10Satellites and 6G: Integrating Satellite Systems into Future Connectivity ArchitectureHow can multi-orbital and multi-frequency satellite systems be leveraged as part of future 6G architectures to deliver seamless, resilient and globally inclusive connectivity? What regulatory and technical foundations are required? Moderator: Ahmed Alsohaily, Board Director, Sheba Microsystems. Speakers: Rahim Tafazolli, Founder and Director of 5G Innovation Centre & 6G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey; Mohammed El-Moghazi, Executive Director of International Spectrum Affairs, NTRA Egypt; Chafic Chaya, Regional Manager, Public Policy and Government Affairs, RIPE NCC; Ali Cheema, Director, Spectrum Regulations, Ericsson.
- 11:10–12:05Direct-to-Device (ii): Technology, Spectrum and the Path to ScaleBuilding on the D2D panel from day one, this session shifts the discussion to technology innovation, spectrum authorisation and the regulatory dimension. It examines the enabling technology and the regulatory frameworks required to deliver D2D at scale, including supplemental coverage from space, the IMT versus MSS debate, spectrum authorisation and licensing models, and the role of devices and OEMs. What will it take to scale D2D services globally without harmful interference or fragmentation across borders? Moderator: Hussein Abul-Enein, Director, Head of Middle East, Access Partnership. Speakers: Eric Fournier, Director for Spectrum Planning & International Affairs, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR); Satender Yadav, Director - Global Solutions Engineering, Skylo; Amr Ashour, Director, Regulatory Affairs, MENA, AST SpaceMobile.
- 12:40–13:35Sustainable Orbits: Managing Congestion, Mitigating Interference and Preventing DebrisManaging congestion, debris mitigation, and the long-term sustainable use of orbital environments – this session will examine the policy levers and emerging technologies that can help achieve this. From active debris removal to green propulsion and responsible disposal, what voluntary and mandatory mechanisms are gaining traction? How do we ensure the orbital commons remains accessible for future generations, and what obligations do today’s operators have to those who follow? Speakers: Yehia Abdul-Aziz, Founder and CEO, ATON; Lei Cheng, Vice President, Suzhou Sustain Space Technology; Mishaal Ashemimry, Managing Director, Center for Space Futures; Araz Feyzi, Co-Founder & CTO, Kayhan Space.
- 14:20–15:15WRC-27 and Beyond: Spectrum Policy for the Future of Connectivity and SpaceAs we enter the final phase of preparations for WRC-27, attention turns to the spectrum decisions that will define the next era of satellite connectivity and space sustainability. This session brings together representatives working at the heart of the WRC process to examine the key NTN agenda items at WRC-27, and the path that lies ahead as the sector works to align global spectrum policy with long-term space governance. How should stakeholders prepare, and what outcomes are needed to balance connectivity expansion with a sustainable orbital environment? Speakers: Alexander Kühn, Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management, BNetzA; Peng Zhao, Vice President of Policy & Regulatory, GSOA; Cessy Karina, Senior Radiocommunication Engineer, ITU; Fatima Karim, ASMG Chairperson, GSA.
- 15:50–16:45The Space Economy: Investment, Manufacturing and the Business Case for Sustainable GrowthThe global space economy is on course to be worth more than a trillion dollars within the next decade, driven by falling launch costs, industrial-scale satellite manufacturing and a wave of private investment. Connectivity sits at the centre of that growth, with LEO constellations, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and direct-to-device services attracting the largest share of capital and moving satellite from a niche complement to an integral layer of global telecoms infrastructure. This session will examine where value is migrating across the value chain - from launch and manufacturing to downstream connectivity, data and services - how satellite and terrestrial networks are converging, and how the sector can scale sustainably while remaining commercially viable and globally inclusive. Moderator: Pacome Revillon, CEO, Novaspace. Speakers: Hazuki Mori, Lead in Space Technology, World Economic Forum; Gregory Smirin, President, Muon Space; Mohammed I. Almajed, Senior Advisor to H.E. Minister of Investment, Ministry of Investment (MISA).
- 16:45–17:40Connectivity on the Move: Air, Sea and LandAviation, maritime and land mobility are among the fastest-growing segments for satellite connectivity. This session explores how air, sea and land connectivity is being reshaped by new LEO and multi-orbit capacity, flat-panel antennas and hybrid networks. What spectrum, regulatory and technical conditions are needed to deliver seamless broadband to aircraft, ships and vehicles across borders - and how can Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) growth be accommodated alongside other services without harmful interference? Speakers: Zeina Mokaddem, Chief Government Affairs and Regulatory Officer, ABS Satellite; Mostafa Mousa, Lead, Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, Amazon Leo; Majed Al Yazeedy, Space Business GM, STC.
- 17:40–17:55Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Moderator: Isabelle Mauro, Director General, GSOA.
- 10:00–11:30The Legal Framework for Space: International Space Law and the Path to Responsible GovernanceA 90-minute session examining the foundations and evolution of international space law and its application to the rapidly changing space environment, including the legal challenges posed by mega-constellations, active debris removal and direct-to-device services. Content and focus developed in partnership with UNOOSA. Moderator: Peter Martinez, Director, Secure World Foundation. Speakers: Rosanna Margarita Hoffman, Head, Space Law, Policy and Sustainability, UNOOSA; Elina Morozova, Executive Director, Intersputnik; Raeed Al-Maneea, GM Legal Affairs, Saudi Space Agency; Rachael Olore, Legal Officer, Kenya Space Agency; Chehineze Bouafia, Head, Regulatory Affairs, Space & Telecommunications, Eutelsat Group; Aya Iwamoto, Deputy Director, National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.
- 12:00–12:55Space as Critical Infrastructure: Increasing Resilience and Enabling the Next Generation of Space-Based ServicesSpace infrastructure underpins far more than connectivity. This session examines how space-based systems — spanning communications, earth exploration, navigation, positioning, timing (PNT) and emerging in-orbit data centres — are becoming indispensable to global resilience. As commercial actors such as hyperscalers explore deploying large constellations to support space-based data processing, what are the implications for spectrum use, orbital sustainability and international governance? How can AI unlock the power of earth observation and other space-based systems to help deliver global resilience? How do we ensure that this expanding critical infrastructure remains secure, resilient and equitably accessible? Speakers: Muryah Al-Shahrani, General Manager of Space Systems and Infrastructure, Saudi Space Agency; Clémence Poirier, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich; Nathan Juglard, Senior Business Developer, Skynopy; Jean-François Morizur, CEO, Cailabs; Connor McSharry, Business Development Manager - Middle East Region, Slingshot.
- 12:55–13:50The New Frontier: Lunar Communications and the Infrastructure to Connect Deep SpaceAs lunar missions accelerate and deep space exploration expands, so does the demand for robust, interoperable communications infrastructure beyond Earth orbit. A discussion around the architecture, standards and coordination needed to build a reliable lunar and deep space connectivity ecosystem - who builds it, who governs it, and how do we ensure it remains open and accessible? And, critically, how can we secure the spectrum and bandwidth needed to support the rapid growth of lunar and deep space communications?
- 14:50–15:45Sustainability from Space: The Power of Earth Exploration Satellite ServicesEarth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS) and remote sensing technologies are among the most powerful tools humanity has for monitoring and protecting our planet. This session examines the contribution of earth observation to climate science, maritime and air traffic monitoring, disaster response and environmental sustainability — exploring what is at stake if spectrum access and orbital conditions for these services are not adequately protected. How do we ensure that the growth of commercial constellations does not come at the cost of the earth observation capabilities that underpin our understanding of the planet?
- 15:45–16:40The Space In-Between: HAPS and Stratospheric Systems as the Next Frontier in Connectivity and Earth ObservationThis panel brings together academics and industry experts to discuss High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and stratospheric systems as an emerging layer of connectivity and earth observation infrastructure. Panellists will explore how these systems bridge the gap between terrestrial networks and satellite constellations, offering unique advantages in coverage, latency, and cost-efficiency. Discussion will touch on current technical challenges, including platform endurance, energy management, and payload capacity at stratospheric altitudes. Panellists will also address regulatory and spectrum allocation issues that remain barriers to widespread deployment. The panel will highlight promising use cases across telecommunications, disaster response, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Moderator: Mohamed-Slim Alouini, Al-Khawarzmi Distinguished Professor, KAUST. Speakers: Chris Roberts, Head Delivery and Capture, BAE Prismatic; Alfredo Serrano, Director of EMEA, Sceye; Srinivas J. Setty, Founder / Managing Director, BESPIN Technologies.
- 16:40–16:55Keynote PresentationA high-level 15-minute keynote presentation. Speaker: Adel Mohamed Darwish, Regional Director for the Arab States, ITU.
- 16:55–17:15Closing Ceremony & Presentation of Outcomes
Speakers
80Haytham AlOhaliGovernorDoreen Bogdan-MartinSecretary GeneralAarti Holla-MainiDirectorVinicius Oliveira Caram GuimarãesSpectrum and Orbit SuperintendentAdel Al-SalehCEOAbel AvellanChairman & CEOHaithem AlfarajChief Executive OfficerIsabelle MauroDirector GeneralAshraf AlTahiniCEOCarlos ForadoriChair, UN PAROSGilles BregantCEOSaifur RahmanProfessor and Director
Show the remaining 68 people
Philip MarnickGeneral DirectorMaged IsmailCEOTimothy Adi AshongDirector GeneralAhmed AlghofailiDeputy CEOElina MorozovaExecutive DirectorPeter MartinezDirectorBadr N. AlsuwaidanCEO & PresidentMark RigolleCEOPacome RevillonCEOJean-François MorizurCEOGregory SmirinPresidentFrank SalzgeberCEO and FounderMishaal AshemimryManaging DirectorYehia Abdul-AzizFounder and CEOFatima KarimASMG ChairpersonAdel Mohamed DarwishRegional Director for the Arab StatesAnthony ReaSenior Director of the Department of Earth System Data and PredictionsDavid GoldsteinPrincipal EngineerMostafa MousaLead, Licensing & Regulatory AffairsAli CheemaDirector, Spectrum RegulationsChris RobertsHead Delivery and CaptureChehineze BouafiaHead, Regulatory Affairs, Space & TelecommunicationsMohaned JuwadVice President, Middle East Policy and Regulatory AffairsBarbee PonderGeneral Counsel & VP Regulatory AffairsMajed Al YazeedySpace Business GMAbdullah AljohaniCTOZeina MokaddemChief Government Affairs and Regulatory OfficerChafic TraboulsiSenior Vice President, Direct Sales, EMEA & APACAmy MehlmanEVP & Chief Global Affairs OfficerMaher KhourySenior Vice President, International SalesAmr AshourDirector, Regulatory Affairs, MENAEmmanuel HoudetDirector of Mission SolutionsAlfredo SerranoDirector of EMEAAhmed AlsohailyBoard DirectorAraz FeyziCo-Founder & CTOSandeep BastolaChief Operating Officer | Satellite Systems LeadLei ChengVice PresidentSrinivas J. SettyFounder / Managing DirectorConnor McSharryBusiness Development Manager - Middle East RegionSatender YadavDirector - Global Solutions EngineeringNathan JuglardSenior Business DeveloperMohamed-Slim AlouiniAl-Khawarzmi Distinguished ProfessorRahim TafazolliFounder and Director of 5G Innovation Centre & 6G Innovation CentreClémence PoirierSenior Researcher, Center for Security Studies (CSS)Olga VolynskayaAssistant ProfessorKamal AlharbiChief Space Technology and Application OfficerMuryah Al-ShahraniGeneral Manager of Space Systems and InfrastructureRaeed Al-ManeeaGM Legal AffairsMohammed I. AlmajedSenior Advisor to H.E. Minister of InvestmentEric FournierDirector for Spectrum Planning & International AffairsAlexander KühnHead of Section, International & National Spectrum ManagementMartin FentonDirector, Non Terrestrial SpectrumMohammed El-MoghaziExecutive Director of International Spectrum AffairsAya IwamotoDeputy Director, National Space Policy SecretariatRachael OloreLegal OfficerGudila MarickSpectrum EngineerPeng ZhaoVice President of Policy & RegulatoryRosanna Margarita HoffmannHead, Space Law, Policy and SustainabilityJorge CiccorossiHead, Space Strategy & Sustainability DivisionCessy KarinaSenior Radiocommunication EngineerHazuki MoriLead in Space TechnologyFederico Di VrunoSpectrum ManagerChafic ChayaRegional Manager, Public Policy and Government AffairsHussein Abul-EneinDirector, Head of Middle EastHerman SchepersFounder and Managing PartnerMatej SigetGlobal Space Law ProjectHamza HameedMemberYuemei HuExpert
The venue
24.74N 46.63E
CST Headquarters