IAF New President GABRIELLA ARRIGO

IAF President’s Agenda

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the confidence you have placed in me by endorsing my nomination during the International Astronautical Congress 2024 in Milan and entrusting me with the honor of serving as IAF President for the years 2026-2028. I am truly honored to serve the Federation. 

Over the past 35 years, I have devoted my professional life to fostering international relations and cooperation. I hope that this experience will serve the Federation well. However, I deeply believe that an efficient and productive Presidency can only be achieved through collaborative efforts with all of you. This means that my service and commitment are based on your great support. 

Let me briefly outline some of the priorities in my agenda summarized in 4 main pillars. 

The first pillar is the 

RETURN TO THE IAF ORIGINS 

IAF was founded in 1951 during the cold war, with the primary aim of promoting scientific and research dialogue between the opposing blocks. 

It is essential to recall the Federation’s original mission, which was to promote dialogue among all countries, regardless of political, economic, technological, or scientific differences. 

My first commitment is, therefore, to return to IAF origins, by creating the best conditions for space cooperation among all nations and members. 

How can we achieve this goal? Step by step we must reinforce the conviction that Space is a powerful tool to inspire dreams, promote awareness and foster responsibility, both in Space and on Earth. 

The Second pillar is related to 

STRENGTHENING THE IAF’S ROLE IN REPRESENTING CIVIL SOCIETY AND GLOBAL SPACE COMMUNITY ENGAGING LEADERSHIP 

I am convinced that the main strength of the IAF lies in its nature as Federation. Unlike intergovernmental organizations with rigid processes and governance, its flexibility is its richness. This allows IAF to represent both civil society and global space community fostering dialogue among all stakeholders, including space agencies, academia, scientists, industry, policymakers, national and international authorities. 

Therefore, I would like to focus my attention on further enhancing the IAF capacity and ability to represent both the global space community and the civil society, engaging leadership of different countries and regions in space dialogue. 

The Third pillar focuses on concentrating 

MORE EFFORTS TOWARDS EMERGING AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 

I have noticed that the participation in the IAF events and activities from certain regions such as Africa or Latin American communities remains limited, indicating that existing tools are either inadequate or insufficient. 

Therefore, I would like to intensify the efforts to identify sustainable financial mechanisms to facilitate the participation of representatives coming from all nations in space activities and related events. 

Finally, The Fourth pillar is related to 

REACHING GENERAL PUBLIC TO SHOW SPACE BENEFITS 

Considerable progress, indeed, has been made in this regard, nevertheless, the “Space message” as space dialogue, space benefits for society and humankind should be amplified to connect the communities from advanced, emerging and developing countries, as well as regional, local and international Authorities. 

Innovative communication tools and platforms are essential to this effort, and I am particularly keen to get inspired by fresh ideas from young people, emerging talents, and experienced professionals – starting with your relevant contributions. 

I look forward to working hand in hand with you all to advance the Federation’s mission, and to ensure that space continues to serve as a bridge between nations, cultures, and generations. The Presidency I now assume is not mine alone: it is a shared endeavour with each of you.