Programme
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Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events
3-Day Integrated Event Programme
Space Sustainability Forum | Connecting the World from the Skies
12 – 14 October 2026 | CST Headquarters, Riyadh
Organised by ITU & CST
| Connectivity Focus (presented by Connecting the World from the Skies) |
| Sustainability Focus (presented by SSF) |
| Combined Connectivity & Sustainability Focus (jointly presented by Connecting the World from the Skies and SSF) |
| Standalone Keynote Presentations & Tech Demo / Spotlight Sessions (individual presentations / demos / spotlights could be presented by Connecting the World from the Skies and/or SSF or kept separate) |
| Special Focus Session |
<strong>Monday, 12 October 2026</strong> (Day 1)
Joint Grand Opening & High-Level Keynotes – “Where Connectivity and Sustainability Meet”
Welcome addresses from the Secretary-General of ITU and the Governor of CST. High-level keynote presentations, a VIP fireside chat and interventions from key industry and policy leaders will then follow, addressing both the space sustainability and satellite connectivity agendas. All speakers and interventions to represent both event pillars with the aim of setting the scene for the discussions over the 3 days. The presentation of the winners of the IEEE Competition and any other announcements can also be included here.
Satellite Connectivity Today: The State of the Market and the Road to Universal Access
An overview of the current global satellite connectivity landscape – where are we now, and what will it take to reach the billions still unconnected? Examining the competitive dynamics of GEO, MEO and LEO operators, the role of direct-to-device services, and the realistic timeline for universal access.
Spotlight Session #1
A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC
Global Norms, Standards and Responsible Behaviour in Space
The role of international frameworks, transparency and confidence-building measures. How can global coordination mechanisms foster responsible behaviour across all space actors – from legacy operators to new commercial mega-constellation entrants?
Sustainability and Connectivity: Competing Priorities or Shared Imperatives?
Scaling satellite connectivity responsibly – exploring how connectivity ambitions depend on, and must be balanced with, responsible space governance. Are the two goals in tension or mutually reinforcing?
Note: sustainability here could encompass not only space debris / congestion but also spectrum access, interference-free use, and equitable access for all nations.
It is proposed that interactive live audience polling is used during this session: e.g. ‘Do you see sustainability and connectivity as competing priorities or shared imperatives?’ ‘What is the biggest barrier to achieving satellite connectivity and space sustainability together?’
IEEE Competition Winner Presentation – Delivering Sustainable Connectivity
A reserved 10-minute slot for a brief presentation by the winner(s) of the IEEE Competition. The competition theme for this edition focuses on sustainable connectivity, and this slot is positioned here given the direct thematic relevance to the preceding session. Presenter and topic to be confirmed once competition results are finalised.
Keynote Presentation*
A high-level 15-minute keynote presentation from a policy, industry or research thought-leader. Topic and presenter TBC
* Initial ideas for keynote invitations to be considered for the events include:
<strong>Tuesday, 13 October 2026</strong> (Day 2)
Keynote Presentation
A high-level 15-minute keynote presentation from a policy, industry or research thought-leader. Topic and presenter TBC
Satellites and 6G: Integrating Satellite Systems into Future Connectivity Architecture
How satellites and NTNs integrate into future 6G architectures to deliver seamless, resilient and globally inclusive connectivity. What regulatory and technical foundations are required?
NTNs, Direct-to-Device and the Future of Access
How new satellite capabilities – including direct-to-device services – are transforming connectivity delivery, particularly for underserved regions and populations. What business models and regulatory frameworks are needed to make this sustainable?
Spotlight Session #2
A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC
Orbital Sustainability, Technology and Policy: Protecting the Skies for Future Generations
Managing congestion, debris mitigation, and the long-term sustainable use of orbital environments – and examining the policy levers and emerging technologies that can help achieve this. From active debris removal to green propulsion and responsible disposal, what voluntary and mandatory mechanisms are gaining traction? How do we ensure the orbital commons remains accessible for future generations, and what obligations do today’s operators have to those who follow?
High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS): Enabling Sustainable and Resilient Connectivity
Exploring how HAPS (including HIBS) can complement satellite and terrestrial networks to extend coverage, reduce environmental impact and support sustainable next-generation connectivity architectures.
Spotlight Session #3
A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC
Spectrum, Global Coordination and the Path to Long-Term Growth
A forward-looking discussion on spectrum access, international coordination mechanisms and the regulatory frameworks needed to enable sustained growth in satellite connectivity while maintaining fairness and sustainability.
Space as Critical Infrastructure: Increasing Resilience and Enabling the Next Generation of Space-Based Services
Space infrastructure underpins far more than connectivity. This session examines how space-based systems — spanning communications, earth exploration, navigation, positioning, timing (PNT) and emerging in-orbit data centres — are becoming indispensable to global resilience. As commercial actors such as hyperscalers explore deploying large constellations to support space-based data processing, what are the implications for spectrum use, orbital sustainability and international governance? How do we ensure that this expanding critical infrastructure remains secure, resilient and equitably accessible?
<strong>Wednesday, 14 October 2026</strong> (Day 3)
The Legal Framework for Space: International Space Law and the Path to Responsible Governance
A 90-minute session examining the foundations and evolution of international space law and its application to the rapidly changing space environment, including the legal challenges posed by mega-constellations, active debris removal and direct-to-device services. Content and focus to be developed in partnership with UNOOSA.
Spotlight Session #4
A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC
WRC-27 and the Future of Satellite Connectivity and Sustainability
Aligning global spectrum decisions with long-term space governance goals. How should the sector prepare for WRC-27? What outcomes are needed to support both connectivity expansion and orbital sustainability? Note: the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference takes place one month after this event (November 2026) – a focus on this could also be brought into this panel.
The New Frontier: Lunar Communications and the Infrastructure to Connect Deep Space
As lunar missions accelerate and deep space exploration expands, so does the demand for robust, interoperable communications infrastructure beyond Earth orbit. A discussion around the architecture, standards and coordination needed to build a reliable lunar and deep space connectivity ecosystem – who builds it, who governs it, and how do we ensure it remains open and accessible?
Sustainability from Space: The Power of Earth Exploration Satellite Services
Earth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS) and remote sensing technologies are among the most powerful tools humanity has for monitoring and protecting our planet. This session examines the contribution of earth observation to climate science, maritime and air traffic monitoring, disaster response and environmental sustainability — exploring what is at stake if spectrum access and orbital conditions for these services are not adequately protected. How do we ensure that the growth of commercial constellations does not come at the cost of the earth observation capabilities that underpin our understanding of the planet?
From Standards to Ratings: Implementing Global Orbital Stewardship
Exploring mandatory regulatory requirements versus voluntary industry benchmarks, and how transparency tools and sustainability ratings can be operationalised to promote responsible behaviour and accountability in orbit.
Bringing It All Together: A Blueprint for Future Growth, Innovation and Responsibility
Drawing together the key themes and conclusions of the three days. Designing regulatory and governance frameworks that support both competitiveness and sustainability. Identifying concrete next steps and agreed actions for ITU, CST and the global space community. Format: moderated synthesis discussion with floor contributions from audience.
It is proposed that interactive live audience polling is used during this session: This could look at helping to create some tangible outcomes from the event e.g. ‘What is the single most important action the international community must take in the next 12 months?’ ; and some of the questions asked on day 1 e.g. ‘Do you see sustainability and connectivity as competing priorities or shared imperatives?’ could be repeated to see if the discussions over the previous 3 days have altered opinions amongst attendees.
Closing Ceremony & Presentation of Outcomes
Closing remarks from ITU and CST leadership. Presentation of key outcomes and agreed actions across the three days. Formal close of the Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Week.