Abu Dhabi to host 16th edition of International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Abu Dhabi will be hosting the 16th edition of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), part of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, on 9 to 14 October 2022 in Abu Dhabi. 

The ICG is responsible for encouraging productive cooperation among its members, attaining system interoperability, and ensuring transparency in the delivery of satellite navigation services globally.

The preparations for the international forum have been completed by the UAE Space Agency. The forum will see 260 participants in person while virtually it may see over 140 participants spanning around representatives of ICG delegations, UN member countries, government and non-government agencies specializing in satellite navigation, entrepreneurs, and specialists.

The international meeting will feature a number of forums, interactive seminars, in-person and virtual demonstrations, and will be presided over by Abdulla Al Marar, Head of Space Projects Section at the UAE Space Agency. These events will provide a thorough overview of how to use satellite navigation systems in various fields, as well as showcase the newest technologies, research fields, current issues, developments, and future expectations in this field.

His excellency Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency said “At this year’s edition of the ICG meeting, the UAE will have a distinguished presence as the host of the forum and one of the ICG’s most prominent members, and this is motivated by its commitment to bolstering cooperation and networking with international players in the space sector, as well as its commitment to sharing and exchanging knowledge and scientific expertise that will stimulate economic development in the region and enhance the efficiency of the global application of satellite navigation sector, which will benefit all of humanity.

He added “The UAESA is continuing its diligent efforts to translate its strategic goals into reality, as it gives great attention to supporting R&D projects and pursuing the development of science and knowledge on the local and regional levels.”

The primary objectives of the ICG are to coordinate between satellite navigation service providers, mobilise efforts to assure the greatest levels of interoperation, transparency, and efficiency, and achieve optimal utilisation of services. The ICG supports global sustainable development.

The ICG provides support and assistance to users of satellite navigation when designing applications and development plans by encouraging joint cooperation, coordination, and action, through its capacity as a forum for exchanging information, ideas, and solutions.

UAESA enjoys a prominent position among the most important international organizations in the global space sector, as it is a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Committee for Space Exploration, the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG), and the Earth Observation Group (EOG). Additionally, the UAE also assumed the presidency of the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).