15th IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments (MMoP)

Since 2009, the International Meetings for Members of Parliaments is the platform that IAF offers to Members of Parliaments from all over the world to foster their dialogue on a global scale with the traditional space community (governmental representatives, agencies, industry, engineers and scientists). Due to the growing interest in the benefits that space technologies can provide to societies of the whole world, starting from 2021 the Meeting has been opened to government representatives in charge of the space policies of their countries.

Programme

09:30 Welcome Remarks

10:15 Session 1: Space for Disaster and Risk Management

Today, we are all exposed to serious vulnerabilities: drought, reduced or excessive rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, man-made catastrophes… which are menacing our environment putting in danger our lives, our economy and impacting properties, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Luckily, Space solutions have the potential to help governments and administrations to manage disaster risks. They play a crucial role in all phases of the disaster risk management cycle: from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery.

Keynote Speech and Interventions by Ministers and Members of Parliaments

11:15 Session 2: Space in Support of Society

Space solutions play a key role in helping policy-makers address societal challenges and develop policies that meet public needs. Rationalization of traffic management, improvement of public transport, dynamic urban planning, air quality, management of drinking water supplies, optimizing energy and waste without forgetting supporting healthcare and emergency response... Space technology offers valuable solutions in many sectors.

Keynote Speech and Interventions by Ministers and Members of Parliaments

12:15 Session 3: Space-based Solutions to Safeguard Life on Earth

Space solutions have become powerful tools for governments to address long-standing challenges. By providing real-time monitoring and precise detection capabilities, these technologies help to combat illegal activities such as illegal fishing, trafficking of goods, discharges from ships on the high seas but also planning sustainable aquaculture activities, monitoring water turbidity, improving the management of marine protected areas. Space-based solutions have also improved border surveillance, enabling policy makers to implement more effective security measures.

Keynote Speech and Interventions by Ministers and Members of Parliaments

13:15 Closing Remarks