Riyadh: Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum, organized by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and held on November 25-26, witnessed high-level international participation. Attendees included Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communications Omar Alomar, Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Qatari Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed Al Mannai, Bahraini Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Mohamed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, Greek Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) Chairman Prof. Konstantinos Masselos, Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) President Carlos Baigorri, and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Chairman Mothibi Ramusi.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum was or
ganized in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency as a future partner and Neo Space Group as a bronze partner, and was attended by 21 high-level officials, CEOs of 16 companies, 23 decision makers, representatives of telecom regulators, and 82 global speakers. The two-day forum addressed key topics; the opening presentation was done by ITU representative Mario Maniewicz, director of the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), and focused on the objectives of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), particularly shaping the future of lunar communications. It also discussed key topics for deliberation, including device-to-device (D2D) communications and space sustainability, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable access to satellite-based space resources for all nations.
The keynote session titled “A Global Vision for the Future of NTN Connectivity” followed; it featured Carlos Baigorri, president of ANATEL of Brazil, who highlighted the international community’s role in developing unified regulati
ons to ensure the optimal use of space resources. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Director Aarti Holla-Maini tackled factors critical to achieving stable connectivity and reliable services, including bandwidth, cost and quality of service, while Eutelsat Group CEO Eva Berneke highlighted the importance of international collaboration to reduce space debris and its effects, to ensure the safety of the space for future generations.
Moreover, EchoStar CEO and President Hamid Akhavan talked about the company’s role in delivering global systems with effective connectivity to support various sectors, including oil and energy, while Aramco Executive Vice President Technology and Innovation Ahmad Al-Khowaiter shared insights into the company’s experience in using satellites to cover wide areas within and beyond Saudi Arabia, to make it a global leader in the field. The following panel discussions and presentations delved into the pivotal role of NTNs in shaping the future of communications.
Th
e forum showcased several technical demonstrations, including the “Seamless D2D Connectivity” trial, the first of its kind in the MENA region, along with four technical demonstrations highlighting the CST efforts to connect the unconnected. These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its capabilities to serve humanity, and enhance the quality of life for individuals, both locally and globally.
