The Event has begun!

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of CST

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H.E. Abdullah Al-Swaha

Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia & Chairman, CST

About

The International Forum on Connecting the World from the Skies will return for a second edition on 25 – 26 November 2024, in Riyadh.

Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia, the event will once again bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts from across the world to discuss the continued evolution of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and the key role they are playing in shaping the future of global connectivity. With the increasing convergence of non-terrestrial and terrestrial connectivity that is being seen, the event will discuss the challenges and the opportunities ahead, exploring collaborative solutions that are emerging to deliver seamless connectivity and unlock a future of boundless possibilities. 

Seamless Connectivity for All

Towards WRC-27 & Beyond

D2D and Hybrid Connectivity

NTN, IoT, 5G & 6G Convergence

Space Economies and Emerging Markets

Lunar Connectivity

Security of NTN Networks

Space Sustainability

Further Information

Please use the link below to access the ITU invitation letters, and view the ITU Event Page.  

Keynote Speakers

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H.E. Mohammed Al-Tamimi

Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) & CEO, Saudi Space Agency

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Mario Maniewicz

Director, BR, ITU

SPEAKERS

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H.E. Mohammed Altamimi

Governor, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST); & CEO, Saudi Space Agency

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Mario Maniewicz

Director, BR, ITU

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Dan Goldberg

Chairman, GSOA

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Carlos Baigorri

President, ANATEL Brazil

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Greg Wyler

CEO & Co-Founder, E-Space

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Martijn Blanken

CEO, Neo Space Group

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Tracy Trent

CEO, Stellar Blu

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Jaume Sanpera

CEO, Sateliot

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Aarti Holla-Maini

Director, UNOOSA

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Jeremy Jurgens

Managing Director, World Economic Forum

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Nobu Okada

Founder & CEO, Astroscale

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Dr. Susmita Mohanty

Director General, Spaceport SARABHAI

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Philip Marnick

General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Bahrain

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Samer Halawi

CEO, Zephyr

Gilles Bregant

Gilles Bregant

Director General, ANFR France

COMPETITION ON NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS FOR 6G (NTNYS’24)

A global competition that solicits innovative ideas and aspects of the NTN for 6G networks by submitting a “magazine-style” paper. Organized by the IEEE Future Networks Initiative and sponsored by CST, the competition seeks students and junior scientists to submit unique ideas to ‘connect the unconnected’ via NTN systems and networks.

Agenda

You can view the agenda in your preferred time zone by selecting it from the list below.
Day 1
2024-11-25
Day 2
2024-11-26
09:00 - 10:00
Registration
11:00 - 11:05
Opening Ceremony

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Anthem

11:05 - 11:25
Welcome & Opening Addresses
11:25 - 11:30
Signing of MoU Between CST and ITU
11:30 - 11:45
Industry Keynote Presentation
11:45 - 12:45
Session 1: View from the Boardroom – A High-Level Vision for the Future of NTN Connectivity

A high level opening session that sets the scene by hearing from different industry leaders on their global visions for the future of NTNs. How do they see the future development of the sector and what need to be the next steps from both industry and policy stakeholders in order for the exciting potential of NTNs can be realised?

12:45 - 13:35
Lunch
13:35 - 13:55
Award Ceremony – IEEE Competition
13:55 - 14:55
Session 2: The Next Frontier: Aligning global visions of NTN towards WRC-27 & beyond

The session will discuss the vital role of WRC-27 in shaping the future shape of NTN and converged connectivity, and at the importance of collaboration and coordination in the preparation and build up to this. How can stakeholders come together to ensure the vast potential of NTN is achieved?

 

14:55 - 15:55
Session 3: The convergence of communications (i) – Unlocking the potential of direct-to-device and hybrid connectivity

Focussing on the huge potential of hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and potential business models and types of collaboration that will help create this exciting new ecosystem. Discussions will also focus on strategies that are emerging from both terrestrial and non-terrestrial operators, and on the technology and policy challenges that need to be overcome.

15:55 - 16:15
Refreshment Break
16:15 - 17:15
Session 4: Unveiling the Future of the Space Economy: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Rise of Non-Terrestrial Networks

This session will dissect the exciting possibilities of space, from revolutionary technologies to the creation of new markets and industries. It will delve into the economic influence and growth of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) – a game-changer for space exploration and global connectivity; and also look more broadly at emerging space technologies in related areas such as reusable launch vehicles and in-space manufacturing. It will explore the new markets that are emerging and look at what needs to be done to take advantage of these.

17:15 - 17:25
Thinking Point: Ensuring Digital Wellbeing in Space
17:25 - 18:25
Session 5: The Time Is Now: Key Actions to Deliver Sustainability in and from Space

This session will explore sustainability both in space and from space. It will delve into how space solutions can address environmental and social challenges, ensuring that our ventures beyond Earth are responsible and beneficial for both our planet and society. It will discuss the management of space debris, and explore both governance and technical challenges that need to be overcome in order to deliver on the goal of a single, unified and robust global Space Traffic Management (STM) framework that ensures the continued safety and viability of future missions. What measures can be taken to mitigate the issue of space debris? How can space solutions more broadly help the environment and society?

18:25 - 18:40
Keynote Presentation
20:00 - 22:00
Evening Networking Event
10:00 - 10:30
Morning Coffee
10:30 - 11:00
Session 6: Levering Non-Terrestrial Networks: Opportunities and Challenges for Start-ups in a Sky Connected World

This session will focus specifically on the key role that innovative start-ups can play in unlocking the transformative potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). The fast-evolving environment offers huge opportunities for innovative start-ups who can harness the unique capabilities of NTNs and revolutionize connectivity across different vertical applications. It will look at the role that Governments and regulators can play in delivering an environment that encourages innovation amongst start-ups and SMES, and at how best to equip these innovative new market entrants with the knowledge and strategies needed to successfully navigate technical and regulatory challenges and to launch and scale ventures.

11:00 - 11:20
Presentation of CST/ITU Study
11:20 - 12:20
Session 7: Global Unity: Delivering Seamless Connectivity for all

Building on the final 2 sessions from yesterday, this session will focus specifically on the way in which advancements in NTN technologies are being harnessed to meet the very varied connectivity requirements of businesses and communities all around the world. It will look at the innovative ways in which satellites and aerial platforms are being leveraged to complement existing networks and enable seamless connectivity in sometimes remote and challenging environments. It will explore the transformative potential of NTN, the advancements driving its adoption, and the challenges that still remain as the boundaries of digital communication continue to be expanded.

12:20 - 12:35
Live Technology Demonstration
12:35 - 13:25
Lunch
13:25 - 14:25
Session 8: The convergence of communications (ii) – The convergence of NTN with IoT, 5G and 6G technologies

Exploring the exciting potential of converging non-terrestrial and 5G technologies to unlock a new era of ubiquitous, high-performance connectivity. It will discuss emerging new use cases, including for IoT applications and examine the market that the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial solutions is opening up.

14:25 - 14:45
Keynote Presentation
14:45 - 15:00
Live Technology Demonstration
15:00 - 16:00
Session 9: Addressing Security Challenges and Building Trust in Satellite and Non Terrestrial Networks

A discussion to address the security concerns surrounding NTNs, including potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors, and what needs to be done to safeguard NTN networks and foster a secure and reliable environment. It will discuss the ways in which innovative solutions and best practices are being used to increase NTN security, and at how satellites and non-terrestrial networks can help to contribute to increasing the security of communications networks more broadly.

16:00 - 16:20
Refreshment Break
16:20 - 17:20
Session 10i: Skyward Innovations in Outer Space: Unveiling the Next Wave of Space and Satellite Connectivity Technologies

A forward looking sessions that focusses on how innovations in space and satellite technologies are set to revolutionise connectivity in and between earth and lunar orbits. From emerging new LEO connectivity technologies, to next generation very high throughput NEO and GEO satellites, and to lunar connectivity and networks designed to provide communication capabilities on the lunar surface, the session will look at the exciting new innovations that are emerging across all types of connectivity from space, and the opportunities that it can provide. It will look at the technical and policy challenges that need to be overcome, and at the potential impact that growth of new connectivity models may have on ground network infrastructures, and how they can fit within the scope of existing Radio Regulations. What needs to be done to now to start preparing for the future of connectivity and to ensure a robust and interference free environment for the next generation of communications in and from outer-space?

17:20 - 18:20
Session 10ii: Skyward Innovations in Near Space: Communicating on the edge of the space

A forward looking sessions that focusses on how HAPS and nearspace technologies are evolving, and at the exciting potential that new innovations and technologies are starting to uncover. HAPS have the potential to deliver connectivity, coverage, and performance enhancements that neither satellites nor terrestrial towers can offer. Now, following WRC-23, HAPS operators have access to key spectrum bands that can power its future success, one of the factors that led to The World Economic Forum selecting HAPS as one of its top 10 emerging technologies of 2024. This session will look at the work that is being done to develop reliable unmanned nearspace connectivity systems, and at the emerging markets and use cases that could open up in the future. It will look at the challenges that still need to be overcome, at the expected future shape of this exciting sector, and at the potential role that it could play in delivering the global/ubiquitous connectivity holy grail which is set to be one of the expectations of 6G.

18:20 - 18:40
Closing Remarks
Select date to see events.

Tutorials & Poster Sessions

Tutorial Session 1: Session details to be announced shortly

15:20 – 17:20 Tutorial

Speaker to be confirmed

Tutorial Session 2: Session details to be announced shortly

09:30 – 11:30 Tutorial

Speaker to be confirmed

 

Tutorial Session 3: Session details to be announced shortly

16:10 – 18:10 Tutorial

Speaker to be confirmed

Organisers

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

In collaboration with

MEDIA PARTNERS

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Partner
Via Satellite 400

Practical Information

If you are interested in discussing any aspect of the forum, please contact us using
the details below

Contact

Location

CST Headquarters

At the corner of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road and Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Road

Riyadh 11588

Saudi Arabia

Official ITU Invitation Letters