Connecting The World From The Skies Global Forum Launches In Riyadh To Address Non-Terrestrial Networks

The Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum commenced under the auspices of Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). This event gathered ministers, industry leaders, experts, and CEOs from companies specialising in non-terrestrial networks. Additionally, international researchers in technology and investment, along with regulatory authority heads, were present.

Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, CST Governor, emphasised the forum's role as a crucial platform for advancing non-terrestrial networks aligned with sustainable development goals. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to bridging connectivity gaps globally through partnerships. The forum will review a study by CST and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on using communication services to reduce the digital divide worldwide.

Saudi Arabia is proud to be among the first nations to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for non-terrestrial networks. This initiative reflects its commitment to advancing new technologies and improving quality of life both locally and globally. The Saudi Space Agency also announced the launch of the "Centre for Space Futures," marking a significant step in technological innovation.

The forum will feature specialised sessions, presentations, and tutorials aimed at shaping future connectivity solutions. It will also announce winners of the International "Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G," organised by CST with IEEE collaboration. Additionally, CST will showcase recent technical experiments in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including the pioneering "Seamless D2D Connectivity" trial in the Middle East and North Africa.

This forum is integral to CST's NTN Program launched in 2021. The inaugural edition in 2022 attracted over 3,000 participants through engaging panel discussions and presentations on NTN advancements. The event continues to serve as a platform for exchanging valuable experiences in this field.

Altamimi stated that Saudi Arabia is committed to leveraging its resources for humanity's benefit while enhancing life quality on various scales. He noted that addressing space debris challenges aligns with these efforts. The forum underscores Saudi Arabia's forward-thinking approach towards cutting-edge technologies.

The launch of the "Centre for Space Futures" signifies a milestone within Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers linked with the World Economic Forum network. This centre aims to foster innovation and collaboration in space-related technologies.

In summary, this global forum highlights Saudi Arabia's strategic initiatives in non-terrestrial networks and its dedication to technological progress. By fostering international collaboration and innovation, it seeks to address global connectivity challenges effectively.

With inputs from SPA