Heads of Emerging Agencies
Day: Wednesday 27 October
Time: 08:30-09:30 GST
Location: Sheikh Rashid Hall E, Dubai World Trade Centre
Emerging countries have awakened to the realisation and appreciation of the impact that space science and technology can make in addressing its socio-economic challenges. However, the benefits of these services have accrued to these countries indirectly, as a consumer of services and products provided by multi-national companies and inter-governmental agencies. While some of these products and services have traditionally helped to serve the social and economic needs of the emerging countries, the level of self-reliance and self-sufficiency has been gradually increasing. Thus, the technology maturity levels and ambitions of emerging countries have been growing to the point of finding global relevance, which is demonstrated by the increasing number of international collaboration initiatives between developed nations and emerging countries.
In this respect, emerging countries present a significant growth potential, especially given their nascent technology readiness levels compared to other developed and space enabled regions of the world. It is important that the specific challenges and aspirations, together with the quick wins and successes, of these countries are brought to the fore at international fora, such as the IAC. Therefore, this discourse is best had at the level of Heads of Emerging Agencies to (i) attach equal importance and significance to the plight of emerging countries similar to that of the developed nations, (ii) provide an effective platform where emerging countries can voice their challenges and aspirations, and (iii) provide a beneficial bridge for active collaboration between emerging countries and developed space nations.
This Plenary will also ensure that the theme of IAC2021 "Inspire, Innovate & Discover for the Benefit of Humankind" is adequately addressed, as the future of the global space sector will be all encompassing with many more actors entering the sector.
