Space for Island Nations Conference (SINC) 2026

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) strengthened its engagement with the space community of island nations at SINC 2026 in the Maldives, hosting the event's Welcome Reception and contributing to a high-level panel discussion on the future of space.

On 27 October, IAF Executive Director Dr. Christian Feichtinger moderated the panel "**Is the Global South the Future of Space? **", bringing together representatives from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO).

The discussion explored how emerging and developing space nations can play a more influential role in shaping global space priorities, partnerships, and governance. Key themes included national capacity-building, regional cooperation, reciprocal partnerships, and the contribution of space applications to climate resilience, disaster preparedness, agriculture, and ocean monitoring.

Dr. Feichtinger emphasised the IAF's role in connecting established and emerging space nations, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all countries have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of space.

The panel also provided an opportunity to present the upcoming IAF Global Space and Ocean Conference, to be held in the Maldives in May 2027, organised by the IAF and hosted by MSRO. The conference will further advance international dialogue on the role of space technologies in ocean observation and sustainable development, particularly for island nations.