Abu Dhabi Space Debate to highlight challenges and opportunities in Space

Over a thousand policymakers, governments, industry, academia, and emerging space players from the public and private sectors will attend the second edition of the event set to take place on December 10-11, 2024.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the second edition of the two-day event aims to drive the global space community from dialogue to action, ensuring that the conversations result in commitments and policies that secure the future of space. The 2024 edition of ADSD titled “From Earth to Orbit: A Space for Action and Accountability” will focus on sustainability, security, and accessibility—key challenges facing the space sector and future generations. 

We live in an era where the sustainability, security, and accessibility of space are increasingly at risk, namely from the growing threat of space debris, the pressing challenges of accessibility, and the lack of security in an increasingly crowded orbital environment. At ADSD, global leaders will address these critical challenges and form space policies that will enable a thriving and innovative space ecosystem.

As a result-driven platform, the priority of the ADSD is to set a foundation to ignite meaningful change that benefits the industry. The main objectives of the ADSD are to enable key stakeholders from governments, industry, academia, and emerging space players to shape the future of space exploration, challenge the status quo and inspire bold solutions to advance space policy. 

The ADSD is a place for debates, not just discussions - an approach that invites diverse perspectives, sparks critical thinking and generates innovative solutions for immediate and decisive actions on complex topics.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Abu Dhabi Space Debate is the global platform for decision makers across the industry to align on priorities in the sector. Sustainability, security, and space accessibility are crucial challenges that require global collaboration. As a major convenor of industry leaders, ADSD is where the future of space is set.”

His Excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “As opportunities in space continue to grow, the Abu Dhabi Space Debate fosters critical discussions to assess the current landscape and debate the future possibilities of space. ADSD measures success by the commitments and subsequent outcomes of our discussions. As a global platform, we anticipate this year’s edition of ADSD will make significant strides towards driving sustainable progress across the industry.”

His Excellency Ibrahim AlQassim, Deputy Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Our primary objective is to contribute to transforming global space policy through bold ideas and actionable outcomes. By creating a platform that speaks to established leaders and aspiring youth, ADSD aims to nurture a dialogue that addresses current challenges and inspires future action in space sustainability, security, and accessibility.”

Key discussions at the 2024 edition of ADSD include a keynote presentation by world-renowned physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox and an insightful address by geopolitical expert Tim Marshall, who will explore how power and politics in space can contribute to reshaping the world.

The sessions on day one will focus on leveraging space technologies for global security, enhancing operations and responsibility from Earth to orbit, and tackling space debris through market-driven solutions and regulatory frameworks. Discussions will also foster collaboration in space exploration and national interests. Parallel workshops on security and sustainability, along with keynote presentations, will further the agenda. 

The second day will focus on the readiness of space regulations to meet the demands of the 21st century, ensuring space sustainability and amplifying the voices of emerging markets in the global space dialogue. Sessions will also explore the impact of space on global power dynamics and politics, balancing open access with national security in managing decentralised space activities, equitable access to knowledge derived from space, and a symbolic youth mock court workshop.