In Riyadh… A Global Dialogue on the Future of Connectivity and Space Sustainability

CST and the ITU Organize the Event to Support Innovation in Space Services and Promote the Responsible Use of Orbits

RIYADH, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, October 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Riyadh is preparing to welcome representatives of regulators, companies, investors, and researchers in the space communications sector to discuss a future that balances the expansion of connectivity services with space sustainability. The capital will host The Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events 2026 in Riyadh from October 12 to 14, at the headquarter of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST).
CST organizes the event in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the theme “Connected Earth, Sustainable Space.” The event includes Connecting the World from the Skies (NTN) and the Space Sustainability Forum, allowing participants to explore opportunities for developing and investing in services, alongside regulatory frameworks and solutions for sustaining space activities.

Expanding satellite connectivity services depends on the efficient use of spectrum and orbits. Using these resources requires coordination between countries, represented by their regulators. As Direct-to-Device connectivity services evolve and terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks integrate, expanding communication services becomes closely tied to managing interference, orbital congestion, and reducing space debris.

International Cooperation in Communications and Space Sustainability
Hosting the event is an extension of the Kingdom’s cooperation with international organizations in space
communications and sustainability. The 2024 Connecting the World from the Skies Forum (NTN) saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between CST and the ITU to organize global events specialized in non-terrestrial networks, alongside technical trials and international research participation.
This year’s event continues that cooperation, providing space to discuss the development of communication networks and space sustainability requirements within a joint international gathering. Participants in these discussions include regulators, device manufacturers, space service providers, experts, and researchers.
In another track of international cooperation in the space sector, the Saudi Space Agency and the World Economic Forum signed an agreement in 2024 to establish the Space Future Center in the Kingdom. It was announced as the first center within the Fourth Industrial Revolution network of centers dedicated to space, aiming to support public-private cooperation and the development of technologies and policies related to the sector and its sustainability.
These initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s interest in exchanging international expertise in developing the space sector. The event offers an opportunity to continue this exchange by discussing regulatory experiences, technical solutions, and cooperation opportunities among participating entities.

Technologies Expanding Connectivity and Opportunities Supporting Investment
The event’s discussions address Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity for mobile devices, the integration of space systems with future 6G networks, and connectivity on the move across air, sea, and land.
These technologies offer opportunities to expand coverage and reach areas difficult to serve with terrestrial networks alone. Their development is tied to exploring business models, licensing requirements, and partnerships between telecom operators and space service providers, helping to turn technical potential into scalable services.
Discussions also include preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), particularly topics related to spectrum and its requirements for future communication services.

Space Sustainability and Protecting Services
The sustainability track addresses managing orbital congestion, reducing interference, and preventing space debris, alongside international governance and the responsible use of space resources. These topics are gaining importance as reliance on satellites grows, since the safety of the orbital environment and efficient spectrum use affect service continuity.
Discussions also include the role of satellites in Earth observation and supporting climate science and disaster response, applications that illustrate the impact of space services on communities’ lives and the importance of preserving the ability to deliver them in the future.

Research and Technical Trials
The event includes the announcement of the winners of the International Non-Terrestrial Networks Research Competition 2026. It is also accompanied by an exhibition showcasing the top ten distinguished research papers in the competition, solutions from the global SpaceUp competition, and technical trials allowing participants to explore innovative applications in the sector.
Through these discussions and activities, the event enables regulators, companies, and researchers to exchange expertise on expanding space communication services. The dialogue focuses on the requirements for developing technologies and attracting investment, while preserving the sustainability of the space resources these services depend on.
For more information about the event: visit the event website

Osamah A Q
the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST).
+966 583335353
Media@cst.gov.sa
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