IAF Global Space Leaders Summit
Day: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Location: Gloria Sports Arena, Ground Floor, Belek Mah. Turizm Cad. No:4, Serik / Antalya, Türkiye
Status: Closed Event (upon invitation only)
“The New Space Era: Global Challenges, Strategic Opportunities and Responsible Governance”
Organized by the IAF and held annually in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the 3rd edition of the IAF Global Space Leaders Summit (GSLS), under the theme “The New Space Era: Global Challenges, Strategic Opportunities and Responsible Governance”, will bring together Heads of Space Agencies from established and emerging space nations for open, forward-looking dialogue on the policies, partnerships and governance frameworks shaping the future of space.
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which brought 60 Heads of Space Agencies around one table for the first time, the GSLS has established itself as a unique platform for global space leadership. Conducted on neutral ground and in a spirit of international cooperation, the GSLS fosters trust, strengthens partnerships, and advances collective action on issues of strategic importance.
The discussions will be structured around three high-level round tables:
I. Lunar Economy: Building Humanity's Next Frontier
As humanity prepares for a sustained return to the Moon, this topic will explore the foundations of a viable lunar economy. Discussions will address infrastructure development, scientific cooperation, commercial opportunities, resource utilization, international partnerships, and the governance frameworks necessary to enable long-term exploration and responsible development beyond Earth.
II. Orbital Resilience: Securing Space for All
This session will examine the growing challenges of the orbital environment, including space debris mitigation, space traffic coordination, responsible behavior in outer space, equitable access to orbital resources, and the international cooperation required to preserve the long-term sustainability, safety, and resilience of the space domain.
III. Earth's Challenges & Disasters: Space-Powered Solutions
This discussion will focus on the critical role of space technologies in addressing global challenges through Earth observation, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, environmental monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable urban development. Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening international collaboration to maximize the societal impact of space-based capabilities.
In a spirit of trust, openness and shared responsibility, the 3rd IAF Global Space Leaders Summit will strengthen international dialogue, foster new partnerships and advance collective solutions for the benefit of humanity.
Master of Ceremony
Welcome Remarks
ESTEEMED HEADS OF SPACE AGENCIES AND OFFICES:
Kamel BESBES
Scientific Advisor on Horizon Europe pgm, Digital-Industry-Space, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR)
Tunisia
Painos GWEME
Director General, Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA)
Zimbabwe
Catherine KROPF
Head of Space Office, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
Switzerland
Frank MONTENY
Director General Research and Space, Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO)
Belgium
Oscar Fredy González RIVERA
General Secretary, Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency
Mexico
Observer:
Aarti HOLLA-MAINI
Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Austria