CST Announces the Launch of the Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events

Today marked the launch of The Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events, organized by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), running through October 14, 2026, under the theme "Connected Earth, Sustainable Space," under the patronage  of H.E. Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology and CST’s Board Chairman.

H.E.  Eng. Haytham Al-Ohali, the Governor CST, confirmed in his opening speech that the growth of non-terrestrial networks and space sustainability are inseparable. He noted that this global event brings together, for the first time under one umbrella, Connecting the World from the Skies and the Space Sustainability Forum, each in its third edition. The first two editions of  Connecting the World from the Skies (NTN)  attracted more than 6,500 participants from over 130 countries, while the Space Sustainability Forum drew over 12,000 participants from more than 140 countries.

H.E. explained that the latest estimates indicate that the global space economy will more than double over the next decade, reaching $1.8 trillion by 2035, noting that 2025 was a record-breaking year in which global investment in space companies reached $60 billion, while the Kingdom witnessed a new era for the sector, with investments of nearly $180 million. He added that the SpaceUp competition launched by the Kingdom attracted 700 entries from 54 countries, stressing that the future of the space economy is shaped by the minds of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Alohali also highlighted that CST organized the third edition of the International Research Competition for Non-Terrestrial Networks in partnership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In its two editions, the competition has witnessed the submission of over 160 research papers by more than 440 researchers, indicating the growing global interest in this field. He added that the growth of non-terrestrial networks places increase pressure on spectrum and orbital resources, with estimates indicating the launch of about 10 new satellites and spacecraft every day, which means greater congestion and a higher risk of collision. He emphasized that this calls for stronger international cooperation and coordinated action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the space environment.

Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU’s  Secretary-General emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration to enable more countries and communities to benefit from space technologies in enhancing connectivity and supporting development. She noted that the rapid growth of the satellite communications sector calls for stronger international coordination mechanisms and the efficient and responsible management of radio spectrum and orbital resources. She also highlighted that in December 2025, the ITU received filings covering over 200,000 satellites across 14 proposed satellite constellations.She also commended the Kingdom’s efforts in hosting the Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events, highlighting its capabilities in the space sector, including human spaceflight, satellite development and operations, and scientific research, which contribute to expanding the opportunities offered by space while preserving the resources to enable them.

The Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in hosting global dialogues on the future of communications and space, and reaffirm its position as an international platform that brings together regulatory, industry, and research entities to establish governance standards and responsible conduct in space, strengthening its commitment to supporting innovation and achieving inclusive global connectivity within an ambitious vision for a sustainable future.