Riyadh | BETH
26 January 2026 | 07 Sha’ban 1447 AH

The second edition of the Space Debris Conference 2026 officially commenced today in Riyadh, organized by the Saudi Space Agency, with wide international participation representing 75 countries, and attended by leading experts, decision-makers, and global space sector leaders.

The conference is held with the support of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and with the participation of several local and international entities—reflecting ongoing global efforts to strengthen cooperation in addressing space debris challenges and ensuring the sustainability of outer space.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, emphasized that hosting the second edition of the conference underscores the Kingdom’s firm commitment to addressing space debris management challenges. He noted that the rapid increase in the number of objects and debris in Earth’s orbits poses a growing threat to the safety and sustainability of space activities, calling for enhanced international cooperation and the adoption of innovative and effective solutions.

Dr. Al-Tamimi stressed the importance of unifying international efforts in this field and highlighted the role of Saudi Arabia—through the Saudi Space Agency—in supporting global initiatives and adopting best practices and advanced technologies for space debris management.

For her part, Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, affirmed that addressing space debris challenges requires comprehensive global cooperation, stating that such collaboration is no longer merely desirable but an absolute necessity. She urged leading spacefaring nations to lead by example and develop practical plans to address accumulated debris resulting from past space activities.

Meanwhile, Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, emphasized the importance of responsible and inclusive management of space resources. He highlighted the need to ensure that the rapid growth of the space economy benefits all and remains accessible to future generations through sustainable management of satellite orbits and space resources.

The conference aims to raise global awareness of the risks posed by space debris and to support international efforts to safeguard the future of the space economy. This includes discussions on relevant policies and regulations, strengthening research and innovation, and developing effective international governance frameworks to mitigate the impacts of space debris and ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.

The conference program features specialized panel discussions on space sustainability and governance, as well as the technical and regulatory challenges associated with space debris. It also showcases innovative operational solutions and international partnerships aimed at enhancing space security and long-term sustainability.

Alongside the conference, an exhibition presents 20 shortlisted projects from the DebrisSolver Competition, highlighting innovative solutions and applied projects designed to tackle space debris challenges—reflecting global innovation efforts to protect outer space as a shared resource for humanity and ensure its sustainability.