THE 6TH G20 SPACE ECONOMY LEADERS MEETING (SELM)

The 6th Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM), held in Hermanus, South Africa under the theme “Space as a Catalyst for Inclusive Global Economic Development: Policy, Partnership and Prosperity,”, took place under the Chairmanship of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

The IAF Executive Director contributed to the discussions on the priority statements - Policy Alignment for the SDGs, Public-Private Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer, and Sustainable Space Operations - emphasizing space as a driver of inclusive global progress. Christian Feichtinger underscored the importance of coherent policy frameworks that align space governance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), foster stronger collaboration between public and private actors, and ensure that space activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably.

As an international forum that brings together representatives of the G20 member states to discuss and promote the development of the space economy, SELM provides a vital platform for advancing shared priorities. In this context, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), together with ITU and UNOOSA, plays an important role in advancing the global space agenda - strengthening connectivity and data sharing, fostering dialogue and capacity building, and promoting inclusive international cooperation for the long-term sustainability of space activities.