Speakers

With over three decades of leadership experience in global telecommunications policy, Ms. Bogdan-Martin has emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives. Her historic election by ITU Member States in S​eptember 2022 made her the first woman ever to head the nearly 160-year-old organization. Known for mobilizing innovative partnerships, she aims to promote meaningful connectivity, intensify cooperation to connect the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of digital technologies with inclusive sustainable development.​​ <a href="https://www.itu.int/en/osg/Pages/biography-itu-sg-doreen.aspx" target="_blank">​​​Full biography</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtHJvm_2RPU" target="_blank">​Video i​nterview</a>

Aarti Holla-Maini is the Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), having taken up post on 18^th September 2023 following her appointment by United Nations Secretary-general António Guterres. Ms. Holla-Maini brings over 25 years of experience in the space and satellite sector, working predominantly with international organizations and regulators. Prior to the United Nations, she held the post of Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association. Ms. Holla-Maini is a recognized leader with a strong track record in forging public-private and cross-sector partnerships; high-level advocacy at the international level; strategic communication and managing diverse stakeholders. Under her leadership, Ms. Holla-Maini expanded the association from being a regional organization to a global one representing commercial satellite operators around the world. She was one of the chief architects of the Crisis Connectivity Charter established in 2015 for emergency telecommunications via satellite with the UN World Food Programme’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster and has, on multiple occasions, secured recognition and policy support for space technologies to play their rightful role in connecting the unconnected, in Europe, Africa and beyond. The appointment of Ms. Holla-Maini comes at a time when activities in space are being increasingly driven by the private sector. Her deep experience in high-level advocacy with international organizations and regulators, along with her understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the space sector, will serve Member States well as they seek to access and leverage the benefits of space to accelerate sustainable development. Ms. Holla-Maini’s experience has included service as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Space; member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at EPFL Space Center; member of the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Advisor to Forum Europe and an Expert Advisor on Space Traffic Management for European Union studies 2021-2023. Since October 2024, Ms. Holla-Maini is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. Ms. Holla-Maini holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London and a master’s degree in business administration from HEC in France. She is fluent in French, German and Punjabi alongside her native English and has moderate knowledge of Dutch.

Dr Anthony Rea is the Senior Director, Earth System Data and Prediction with WMO. In this position he has responsibility for coordinating standards and requirements for global observations, data exchange and global modelling to support the service delivery of WMO Members. These responsibilities cover weather, climate, water, the oceans and the cryosphere. Dr Rea has three decades of experience across remote sensing, in-situ observation, data policy and data exchange. He has previously worked for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, WMO (as the former director of Infrastructure) and as a private consultant. He has a PhD in meteorological remote sensing from RMIT University and a Masters in Public Administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of the satellite industry ecosystem. Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive, sustainable and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the full potential of the 5G & 6G ecosystem. Isabelle has 25 years’ experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for International & External Affairs for fifteen years. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Industry. Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is a Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech.

Visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in the space and satellite industry, specializing in satellite operations, aerospace engineering, and strategic business development. Proven track record in driving corporate transformation, technological innovation, and sustainable growth. Currently serving as President & CEO of Arabsat, a leading satellite operator in the Middle East and Africa. Professional Experience: With over 25 years of experience in the space and satellite industry, Dr. Badr has demonstrated proven leadership across multiple disciplines, including satellite operations, engineering, and strategic development. Since joining ARABSAT in 2020, he has served as Executive Vice President for Technical Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing operational performance and driving technological advancement. His leadership has been instrumental in elevating ARABSAT’s capabilities and reinforcing its position in the global satellite communications sector.   Dr. Badr’s appointment as President and CEO marks a period of rapid industry evolution, creating new opportunities for ARABSAT to lead, innovate, and drive sustainable growth.   Education: <ul> <li>Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering – State University of New York at Buffalo, USA</li> <li>M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – State University of New York at Buffalo, USA</li> </ul>   Achievements & Contributions: <ul> <li>Over 25 years of leadership in the space sector, recognized for advancing satellite technology and innovation.</li> <li>Key contributor to Arabsat’s transformation strategy, reinforcing its global market position.</li> <li>Published research in adaptive estimation and control systems for space applications.</li> </ul>  

Professor Yehia Abdel-Aziz is the Founder and CEO of ATON Space Technology, a pioneering company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM). He is a full professor of Space Flight Dynamics and Control at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Egypt, and a distinguished expert in space sciences and technology, with core expertise in spacecraft dynamics and control, SSA, and STM. Prof. Abdel-Aziz has signed numerous strategic partnerships with industry players and academic institutions to advance SSA capabilities. He is currently leading ATON Space Technology, which successfully graduated from the first-ever Space Tech Incubator in Saudi Arabia in November 2024. In addition, ATON Space was certified by the Technology Sandbox of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), KSA, in February 2025. A recognized figure in the regional and international space industry, Prof. Abdel-Aziz has played a vital role in bridging the gap between academic research and practical space applications. He is an active member of international committees focused on space debris risk, monitoring, mitigation, and remediation. He also actively supports Egypt’s national ambitions to expand its space capabilities through education, research, and innovation. He has supervised numerous projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of space debris and its impact on Earth’s orbital environment.   At NRIAG, he has led numerous scientific and technical initiatives. He served as the Head of the Space Research Laboratory from 2016 to 2019 and directed R&D and corporate strategic planning processes for space technology development. He is the founder of Egypt’s first Optical Satellite Tracking Station (OSTS), established at NRIAG in March 2021, which observes satellites and space debris across all orbital regimes—from LEO to HEO.  

<main id="page" class="container" role="main"><article id="page-regions" class="page-regions" data-collection-id="65158f61badfad68d4b27ad4" data-item-id="" data-regions-source="collection"><section class="region" data-region-id="214b1d4d8728f098c4351e8a" data-region-source="collection"><section class="page-section full-bleed-section layout-engine-section background-width–full-bleed section-height–medium content-width–wide horizontal-alignment–center vertical-alignment–middle " data-test="page-section" data-section-theme="" data-section-id="65158f61badfad68d4b27ad7" data-controller="SectionWrapperController" data-current-styles="{ "imageOverlayOpacity": 0.15, "backgroundWidth": "background-width–full-bleed", "sectionHeight": "section-height–medium", "horizontalAlignment": "horizontal-alignment–center", "verticalAlignment": "vertical-alignment–middle", "contentWidth": "content-width–wide", "customContentWidth": 50, "sectionAnimation": "none", "backgroundMode": "image" }" data-current-context="{ "video": { "playbackSpeed": 0.5, "filter": 2, "filterStrength": 0, "zoom": 0, "videoSourceProvider": "none" }, "backgroundImageId": null, "backgroundMediaEffect": null, "divider": null, "typeName": "page" }" data-animation="none" data-fluid-engine-section="" data-sqsp-section="fluid-engine" data-controllers-bound="SectionWrapperController" data-active="true"> <div class="content-wrapper"> <div class="content"> <div data-fluid-engine="true"> <div class="fluid-engine fe-65158f61badfad68d4b27ad6"> <div class="fe-block fe-block-c749851e31b77913a3d8"> <div id="block-c749851e31b77913a3d8" class="sqs-block website-component-block sqs-block-website-component sqs-block-html html-block" data-block-css="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/5f180d57-efc8-4de8-916e-ec6462779f4d_886/website.components.html.styles.css"]" data-block-scripts="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/5f180d57-efc8-4de8-916e-ec6462779f4d_886/website.components.html.visitor.js"]" data-block-type="1337" data-definition-name="website.components.html" data-sqsp-block="text" data-website-component-id="c749851e31b77913a3d8"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <div class="sqs-text-block-container"> <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content=""> <p class=""><strong>Luc Piguet</strong> is the CEO and co-Founder of ClearSpace, Lausanne Switzerland based startup aiming to clear up Space debris and build up in-orbit servicing for sustainable space operations. ClearSpace is stemming from a long-term project that began in 2012 at the EPFL Space Center with the aim to develop technologies to capture and deorbit obsolete space objects. In 2019, the European Space Agency (ESA) selected the ClearSpace team to lead a European consortium that will execute the first autonomous debris removal mission. This ESA ClearSpace-1 mission is ground-breaking, leading to a new era of sustainable space operations. Eight countries are supporting in the project: Switzerland, the UK, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Romania and the Czech Republic.</p> <p class="">Luc studied at EPFL, with a MsC in Electrical Engineering and an Executive Program at Stanford.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section></section></article></main>

Alexander Kühn is the Head of Section on International and National Spectrum management in the German Federal Network Agency, BNetzA. The section is responsible for spectrum strategies and the authorization for experimental trials. Alexander has about 20 years of professional experience in national and international spectrum regulation. Since 2005, his activities focused on international spectrum aspects, in particular participating in CEPT and ITU-R meetings. He chaired the WRC preparation of CEPT from 2013 to 2019 and is currently the Chairman of the ITU conference preparatory meeting to WRC-27.

Martin is Director of Spectrum Technical Policy of the Spectrum Group of Ofcom (UK). Martin is responsible for providing authoritative technical direction for Ofcom’s work on spectrum and related matters covering terrestrial and non-terrestrial radiocommunications services. He is an expert in international and domestic spectrum regulation; specialising in spectrum policy, interference analysis and RF performance. He has 20 years’ experience in spectrum management at the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, and its predecessor, the Radiocommunications Agency. He is a former Chairman of ITU-R Study Group 5, the ITU group responsible for all terrestrial radio frequency services.

Eric Fournier is currently Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs in the Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), the French public agency in charge of spectrum management (<a href="http://www.anfr.fr">www.anfr.fr</a>). He is the France’s candidate for the position of Director of the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau In this capacity, he is responsible for preparing the revisions of the French national table of spectrum allocation and for coordinating French positions in international meetings and conferences on spectrum within ITU, CEPT and EU. He was deputy head of the French delegation for RRC-06, WRC-07, WRC-12, WRC-15, WRC-19 and WRC-23. He was chairman of the RSPG, a high-level advisory group that assists the European Commission in the development of radio spectrum policy, for the cycle 2022-23. He has been involved in all discussions on major evolutions of spectrum in Europe and was  Chairman of the Electronic Communication Committee (CEPT/ECC) from 2013 to 2018 and of the European Conference Preparatory Group for the World Radiocommunications Conference 2012 (CPG-12). Eric is a graduate telecom engineer from SUPELEC (France).

With over 25 years of experience in satellite communications and regulations at international level, Mr Ciccorossi is the Head of the Space Strategy and Sustainability Division at the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau. His team is dedicated to monitor and ensure the effective and precise deployment of satellites in geostationary and non geostationary orbits in conformity with the Radio Regulations, as well as the treatment of cases of harmful interference affecting space services. Mr. Ciccorossi advises ITU Member States, Sectors Members and ITU intersectoral groups on technical regulatory matters of space services, including those related to space sustainability activities in the context of ITU and the Radiocommunication Bureau. Prior to the current position, he has taken the following responsibilities: <ul> <li>Acting Head of the Satellite Systems Coordination Division at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).</li> <li>Chairman of the 22nd. International Space Radio Monitoring Meeting (ISRMM), September 2021.</li> <li>Spokesperson on satellites issues representing the Radiocommunications Bureau at the World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 and at the Radio Regulations Board Counsellor of DG-Plenary at the CPM-2023 and WG-6C at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012.</li> <li>Represented the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau at WRCs since 2003, as well as at several regional and international fora, including Space Debris Conference, CITEL, ICAO, International Astronautical Congress, Eurocontrol, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Munich Satellite Navigation Summit, Forum Europe, US Small Satellite Symposium, SmallSat Europe , the Regulatory Expert Group of the ISRMM, IEEE and ITU Study Groups.</li> <li>Responsible for the analysis of GSO and NGSO satellite systems submitted to ITU for coordination and notification, and the treatment of cases of harmful interference.</li> </ul> Mr. Ciccorossi has conceived the first (and unique) Intergovernmental Online Platform to Report RFI cases affecting Satellite System (SIRRS), assisting 194 ITU Member States in its resolution. He holds the degree of engineer in electronics from the National University of Technology (UTN) in Buenos Aires, an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, and has studied satellite communications and spacecraft design at the University of Surrey in the UK.

Dr. Lei Cheng received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Northwestern Polytechnical University in April 2023. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2023–2025). He is currently Vice President and Head of R&D Department at Suzhou Sustain Space Technology Co., Ltd., and serves as the Payload Chief Engineer for the Xiyuan 0 mission. His research interests include on‑orbit servicing, active debris removal, autonomous rendezvous and docking, and robust control theory. He has led several major projects, such as the Xiyuan 0 in‑orbit refuelling payload, deorbit sail systems, and various capture mechanisms, and holds multiple patents and publications in top journals.

Elina Morozova is Executive Director at the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications, which brings together Member States from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. At Intersputnik, she heads the International and Legal Service and is responsible for relations with Member States and the United Nations system, including the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Her expertise covers international space law and policy and the regulation of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for space communications. In the current ITU Radiocommunication Sector study cycle, Dr. Morozova serves as Editor of the ITU-R Handbook on best practices for the sustainable use of frequencies and associated non-geostationary-satellite orbits by space radiocommunication services, with finalization expected in 2027. Dr. Morozova combines her institutional work with academic research and teaching. She teaches international space law and telecommunications law at St. Petersburg University, is invited to deliver guest lectures internationally, has published on satellite communications and other aspects of space activities, and serves on editorial boards of recognized academic journals. Dr. Morozova holds master’s degrees in International Law, International Business Law and World Economy, and earned her Doctor of Juridical Sciences degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Her doctoral research focused on ITU-related regulation of orbit and frequency resources for space communications.

Hazuki Mori is the Lead for Planetary Solutions Impact of the Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation at the World Economic Forum. She coordinates global initiatives on space policy and technology. Before joining the Forum in 2024, Hazuki served as an Expert at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, where she led the Access to Space for All initiative, supporting CubeSat missions, microgravity research, and other capacity-building programs. From 2014 to 2020, she held multiple roles at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), working on international relations, legal affairs, and external engagement. Hazuki studied International Trade Law at Waseda  University, earned a Master’s in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex, and is an alumna of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program.

Graduated from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China, majoring in Telecommunication Engineering. Since 2004, she has been working at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducting research on LEO satellite constellation orbital configuration and protocol stack architectures. Starting in 2021, she focuses on ITU regulations, as well as spectrum and orbital resources for LEO satellite constellations.

Peng is the Vice President of Policy & Regulatory at GSOA, where he leads advocacy efforts around satellite spectrum management, licensing, and national policy initiatives. With experience in telecoms, mobile, and satellites, he has advised governments and industry players globally. Previously at Eutelsat OneWeb, Peng shaped licensing frameworks for Low Earth Orbit constellations and satellite regulatory procedures for WRC-23. At GSMA, he led the global campaign optimising spectrum licensing for mobile operators, engaging policymakers and advocating regulatory best practices across developing markets. Peng holds a Master's in Telecommunication from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from London Business School. He speaks English, French and Mandarin fluently.

Dr. Mohamed El-Moghazi is the Executive Director of International Spectrum Affairs Department at the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Chairman of the Arab Spectrum Management Group Satellite Technologies, and Chairman of the ATU Spectrum Recommendations. He was awarded the British Chevening Scholarship from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2007 and was also chosen as one of three finalist candidates for the Professional Achievement Award (UK Graduates) in 2018. Dr. Moghazi, also, won Young Researchers Award from the Pacific Telecommunications Council in 2017. He is the founder of the Global Telecom Policy Researchers Network (GTPRN), a non-profit initiative and research society for researchers in the field of telecommunications policy. He has recently published the book “The International Radio Regulations: The Case for Reform”, and the book chapter “Towards a Future-Proof International Spectrum Management Policy”.

Karina Cessy is a Senior Radiocommunication Engineer with the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau in Geneva. Since joining ITU in 2002, she has specialized in satellite regulatory matters and currently serves in the Uncoordinated Space Network Division. Her work focuses on satellite network filings, spectrum management, and the implementation of the Radio Regulations for space services. She works closely with administrations and stakeholders worldwide and is an active contributor to ITU capacity-building activities, workshops, and international conferences on space communications.

Clémence Poirier is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Prior to joining CSS, she was a Research Fellow seconded by CNES (the French Space Agency) at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in Vienna, Austria where she conducted multidisciplinary research on space affairs. She also worked as a Researcher for Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia where she carried out policy and legal research on the cybersecurity of the Australian space infrastructure. She is a guest lecturer at the NATO Defense College, the University of Oxford, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University of Tartu, and ETH Zurich. Her research interests focus on space cybersecurity, cyber conflict in outer space, and electronic warfare on space systems. Clémence holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, International Security and Defense as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Applied Languages from University Jean Moulin Lyon III, France.

Federico Di Vruno is the Spectrum Manager at the SKA Observatory and a Co-Director of the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS). He has been involved in technical studies and regulatory discussions on Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations and radio astronomy since 2019 and represents the SKAO as a sector member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector as well as a Permanent Observer at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Before his involvement in Radio Astronomy, he worked in the space industry as an electronic engineer, specifically in electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference of communication and scientific spacecraft.

Mohamed-Slim Alouini, was born in Tunis, Tunisia. He earned his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1998 before serving as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota and later at Texas A&M University at Qatar. In 2009, he became a founding faculty member at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he currently is the Al-Khawarizmi Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the holder of the UNESCO Chair on Education to Connect the Unconnected. Dr. Alouini is a Fellow of the IEEE, OPTICA, and SPIE and his research interests encompass a wide array of research topics in wireless and satellite communications. He is currently particularly focusing on addressing the technical challenges associated with information and communication technologies (ICT) in underserved regions and is committed to bridging the digital divide by tackling issues related to the uneven distribution, access to, and utilization of ICT in rural, low-income, disaster-prone, and hard-to-reach areas.

Regius Rahim Tafazolli, CBE, Commander order of British Empire,  is the only Regius Professor in Electronic Engineering. He is a Fellow of Royal Academy (FREng), FIEEE, FIET, FCIC, Fellow of WWRF (Wireless World Research Forum). He is a professor of Mobile and Satellite Communications at the Surrey University in the UK and is the founder/director of the world’s first 5G Centre, 5G Innovation Center  in 2012 and director of UK’s first Centre on 6G, 6GIC in 2020. He advises many international industries and  governments including UK Governments and local council. He represents UKSA (UK Space Agency) in ESA 5JAC and also is the Chair of ESA 5JAC. 5GIC was winner of the 2021 Royal Academy of Engineering for the best research centre in the UK for working with industry. Also was winner of ITP (Institute of Telecom Professionals) for “Outstanding Contributions to Industry” in 2023. He has more than 30 years of experience in wireless communications since 2G and since first generation of Satellite PCN (Personal Communication Systems).

Hamed Khalkhali has over 30 years of experience in Aerospace/Defense and Automotive industry. Hamed is the President of Swift Engineering located in San Clemente, CA. Swift Engineering is a small company focused on UAV R&D and manufacturing of composite aerospace platforms. Hamed has worked in AeroVironment as the Global Vice President of Engineering and Program Management before joining Swift Engineering. Before that, he worked in Safran Electronics & Defense, Parker Aerospace Flight Control System, and General Motors. Hamed is an adjunct faculty in Mechanical Engineering Department in Cal Poly Pomona, CA since 2006. He has earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from SUT, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Wright State University, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In addition, he has obtained his MBA from Cal Lutheran University. He considered himself a system engineer with strong appetite toward system behavior.