Riyadh, November 25, 2024 – Under the esteemed patronage of Eng. Abdullah AlSwaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST), Riyadh will host the highly anticipated "Connecting the World from the Skies" Global Forum 2024 tomorrow. Organized by CST in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the forum is set to explore the rapidly evolving field of telecommunications under the theme "Shaping the Future of Converged Connectivity."
This year’s event promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, experts, policymakers, and innovators, aiming to address the challenges and opportunities brought about by the convergence of telecommunications, space technology, and digital transformation. The forum will delve into various topics that are transforming the global communications landscape, with a special focus on non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies. These emerging technologies are seen as the future backbone for providing high-quality, global connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions, and the forum will provide a platform to discuss their potential and implementation.
Key discussion points will include advancements in NTN applications for the Internet of Things (IoT), regulatory frameworks to support NTN deployment, and the convergence of 5G and 6G technologies. Additionally, the forum will explore the future of lunar communications and space economies, highlighting the emerging opportunities in space-based infrastructure. The discussions will also address hybrid connectivity models that combine terrestrial and non-terrestrial solutions to offer seamless global coverage, and the pressing issue of security and sustainability in NTN networks to ensure robust, resilient communication systems for the future.
A highlight of the forum will be the panel discussions and presentations featuring some of the world’s foremost thought leaders, including global leaders, researchers, investors, and regulators. These sessions will emphasize the transformative role of information and communication technology, space exploration, and radio spectrum management in shaping the future of global connectivity. CST will also share the results of recent NTN trials, offering valuable insights into the progress of these cutting-edge technologies.
In addition to these high-level discussions, the forum will serve as the stage for the announcement of the winners of the second edition of the IEEE Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G. This competition, held in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), highlights the most innovative ideas in NTN technology and contributes to the global dialogue on the future of communications.
The Connecting the World from the Skies Forum 2024 is being hosted by CST in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), which will serve as the future partner of the event, and Neo Space Group (NSG), a bronze sponsor. The first edition of the forum, held in 2022, also in collaboration with ITU, attracted more than 3,000 participants and sparked key discussions on the evolution of NTNs. This year’s edition is expected to build on that momentum, offering even more in-depth insights and fostering greater collaboration across the global communications and space sectors.
Experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders are invited to register and join this landmark event, which promises to provide valuable perspectives on shaping the future of global connectivity through NTN technologies, space exploration, and next-generation communication systems. For more information and to register for the event, participants can visit the official forum website: [connectingfromtheskies.com](https://connectingfromtheskies.com/).