Riyadh, February 12, 2024, The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) took center stage today as it hosted sessions of the groundbreaking Space Debris Conference, themed "Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy." This event, a first of its kind in the region, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to convening a distinguished gathering of experts and specialists in the space sector to address the pressing challenges and risks associated with space debris. Through a series of diverse events and activities, the Kingdom aims to champion policies that safeguard the future of space exploration and commerce.
Doreen Bogdan, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), delivered a keynote address focusing on the current and future challenges confronting the space environment. She underscored the paramount importance of international standards in preserving space integrity and ensuring the seamless continuity of global communications.
Similarly, Aarti Holla, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), emphasized the critical need for enhanced international cooperation and consensus-building on regulatory frameworks governing space activities. She emphasized that as the world continues to witness an influx of satellite launches, concerted efforts are essential to surmount key obstacles and advance progress in this pivotal domain.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed her keen anticipation for the outcomes of the Space Debris Conference. She commended the Kingdom for its unwavering commitment and earnest endeavors towards ensuring space sustainability, thereby perpetuating a spirit of exploration and bolstering the growth of its burgeoning trillion-dollar space economy.
The conference commenced its inaugural session with a panel discussion titled "Beyond Borders, Beyond Debris: Space Agencies Unite for a Sustainable Space Future." Subsequent panels, including "Translating Policy into Progress" hosted by UNOOSA, and "Role of Licensing Bodies," delved into various facets of space governance and technological innovation aimed at addressing the challenges posed by space debris.
Participants emphasized the inclusivity of space exploration and stressed the imperative of global cooperation for the collective benefit of humanity. The pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in confronting the challenge of space debris was a focal point of discussion during the third panel session.
