Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum 2024, organized by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), witnessed high-level international participation. Attendees included H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alsawaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Prof. Konstantinos Masselos, Chairman of the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT) of Greece, Mr. Carlos Baigorri, President of the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) of Brazil; and Mr. Mothibi Ramusi, Chairman of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
CST stated that the forum was organized in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency as a future partner, Neo Space Group as a bronze partner, with the presence of 21 high-level officials, 16 companies CEOs, 23 decision makers, representatives from telecom regulators, as well as 82 global speakers.
The two days of the forum addressed several key topics, starting with an opening presentation by the ITU representative, Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), which 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 on the importance of ensuring equitable access to satellite-based Space resources for all nations.
Followed by a keynote session titled "A Global Vision for the Future of NTN Connectivity“. It featured Carlos Baigorri, President of ANATEL of Brazil, who highlighted the international community's role in developing unified regulations to ensure the optimal use of Space resources. While Aarti Holla-Maini, the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), addressed factors critical to achieving stable connectivity and reliable services, including bandwidth, cost and service quality. In addition, Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat Group, highlighted the importance of international collaboration to reduce Space debris and its effects, which ensures the safety of the Space for future generations. Moreover, Mr. Hamid Akhavan, CEO and President of EchoStar, discussed the company's role in delivering global systems with effective connectivity to support various sectors, including oil and energy, while Mr. Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Executive Vice President Technology and Innovation at Aramco, shared insights on the company's experience in using satellites to cover wide areas within and beyond Saudi Arabia to become 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.
The forum showcased several technical demonstrations, including the "Seamless D2D Connectivity” trial, the first of its kind in the MENA region, along with 4 technical demonstrations highlighting the efforts of CST 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.
