{"id":156,"date":"2024-05-07T07:58:47","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T07:58:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf24\/?page_id=156"},"modified":"2026-07-09T14:41:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:41:48","slug":"programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This information will be made available soon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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3-Day Integrated Event Programme<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Space Sustainability Forum  |  Connecting the World from the Skies<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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12 \u2013 14 October 2026  |  CST Headquarters, Riyadh<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Organised by ITU & CST<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n

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\n Connectivity Focus (presented by Connecting the World from the Skies)\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Sustainability Focus (presented by SSF)\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Combined Connectivity & Sustainability Focus (jointly presented by Connecting the World from the Skies and SSF)\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Standalone Keynote Presentations & Tech Demo \/ Spotlight Sessions (individual presentations \/ demos \/ spotlights could be presented by Connecting the World from the Skies and\/or SSF or kept separate)\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Special Focus Session\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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<strong>Monday, 12 October 2026<\/strong>\u00a0(Day 1)<\/h4>\r\n \n
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11:00 \u2013 13:30<\/div><\/div>
JOINT GRAND OPENING\u00a0 |\u00a0 FULL MORNING PLENARY<\/strong><\/div>
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Joint Grand Opening & High-Level Keynotes – “Where Connectivity and Sustainability Meet”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Welcome addresses from the Secretary-General of ITU and the Governor of CST. High-level keynote presentations, a VIP fireside chat and interventions from key industry and policy leaders will then follow, addressing both the space sustainability and satellite connectivity agendas. All speakers and interventions to represent both event pillars with the aim of setting the scene for the discussions over the 3 days. The presentation of the winners of the IEEE Competition and any other announcements can also be included here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13:30 – 14:20<\/div><\/div>
Lunch Break<\/div>
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14:20 \u2013 15:15<\/div><\/div>
PANEL1 | CONNECTIVITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Satellite Connectivity Today: The State of the Market and the Road to Universal Access<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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An overview of the current global satellite connectivity landscape – where are we now, and what will it take to reach the billions still unconnected? Examining the competitive dynamics of GEO, MEO and LEO operators, the role of direct-to-device services, and the realistic timeline for universal access.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

15:15 \u2013 15:30<\/div><\/div>
TECH DEMO \/ SPOTLIGHT\u00a0 |\u00a0 15 MINS<\/strong><\/div>
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Spotlight Session #1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company\/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

15:30 \u2013 16:25<\/div><\/div>
PANEL2 | SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Global Norms, Standards and Responsible Behaviour in Space<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The role of international frameworks, transparency and confidence-building measures. How can global coordination mechanisms foster responsible behaviour across all space actors – from legacy operators to new commercial mega-constellation entrants?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

16:25 \u2013 16:45<\/div><\/div>
Afternoon Refreshment Break<\/div>
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16:45 \u2013 17:40<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 3 | COMBINED CONNECTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Sustainability and Connectivity: Competing Priorities or Shared Imperatives?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Scaling satellite connectivity responsibly – exploring how connectivity ambitions depend on, and must be balanced with, responsible space governance. Are the two goals in tension or mutually reinforcing?
Note: sustainability here could encompass not only space debris \/ congestion but also spectrum access, interference-free use, and equitable access for all nations.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It is proposed that interactive live audience polling is used during this session: e.g. ‘Do you see sustainability and connectivity as competing priorities or shared imperatives?’ \u2018What is the biggest barrier to achieving satellite connectivity and space sustainability together?\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

17:40 \u2013 17:50<\/div><\/div>
IEEE COMPETITION WINNER PRESENTATION\u00a0 |\u00a0 10 MINS\u00a0 |\u00a0 RESERVED<\/strong><\/div>
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IEEE Competition Winner Presentation \u2013 Delivering Sustainable Connectivity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A reserved 10-minute slot for a brief presentation by the winner(s) of the IEEE Competition. The competition theme for this edition focuses on sustainable connectivity, and this slot is positioned here given the direct thematic relevance to the preceding session. Presenter and topic to be confirmed once competition results are finalised.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

17:50 \u2013 18:05<\/div><\/div>
CLOSING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION\u00a0 |\u00a0 15 MINS<\/strong><\/div>
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Keynote Presentation*<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A high-level 15-minute keynote presentation from a policy, industry or research thought-leader. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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* Initial ideas for keynote invitations to be considered for the events include:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

18:05<\/div><\/div>
Day 1 Close<\/em><\/div>
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<strong>Tuesday, 13 October 2026<\/strong>\u00a0(Day 2)<\/h4>\r\n \n
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09:30 \u2013 09:45<\/div><\/div>
DAY 2 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION\u00a0 |\u00a0 15 MINS<\/strong><\/div>
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Keynote Presentation<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A high-level 15-minute keynote presentation from a policy, industry or research thought-leader. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

09:45 \u2013 10:40<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 4 | CONNECTIVITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Satellites and 6G: Integrating Satellite Systems into Future Connectivity Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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How satellites and NTNs integrate into future 6G architectures to deliver seamless, resilient and globally inclusive connectivity. What regulatory and technical foundations are required?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10:40 \u2013 11:35<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 5 |\u00a0 CONNECTIVITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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NTNs, Direct-to-Device and the Future of Access<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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How new satellite capabilities – including direct-to-device services – are transforming connectivity delivery, particularly for underserved regions and populations. What business models and regulatory frameworks are needed to make this sustainable?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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11:35 \u2013 11:55<\/div><\/div>
Morning Refreshment Break<\/div>
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11:55 \u2013 12:10<\/div><\/div>
TECH DEMO \/ SPOTLIGHT | 15 MINS<\/div>
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Spotlight Session #2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company\/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12:10 \u2013 13:05<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 6 | SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Orbital Sustainability, Technology and Policy: Protecting the Skies for Future Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Managing congestion, debris mitigation, and the long-term sustainable use of orbital environments – and examining the policy levers and emerging technologies that can help achieve this. From active debris removal to green propulsion and responsible disposal, what voluntary and mandatory mechanisms are gaining traction? How do we ensure the orbital commons remains accessible for future generations, and what obligations do today\u2019s operators have to those who follow?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13:05 \u2013 13:55<\/div><\/div>
Lunch Break<\/div>
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13:55 \u2013 14:50<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 7 | COMBINED CONNECTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/div>
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High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS): Enabling Sustainable and Resilient Connectivity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Exploring how HAPS (including HIBS) can complement satellite and terrestrial networks to extend coverage, reduce environmental impact and support sustainable next-generation connectivity architectures.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14:50 \u2013 15:05<\/div><\/div>
TECH DEMO \/ SPOTLIGHT\u00a0 |\u00a0 15 MINS<\/strong><\/div>
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Spotlight Session #3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company\/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

15:05 \u2013 15:25<\/div><\/div>
Afternoon Refreshment Break<\/div>
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15:25 \u2013 16:20<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 8 | CONNECTIVITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Spectrum, Global Coordination and the Path to Long-Term Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A forward-looking discussion on spectrum access, international coordination mechanisms and the regulatory frameworks needed to enable sustained growth in satellite connectivity while maintaining fairness and sustainability.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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16:20 \u2013 17:15<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 9 | COMBINED CONNECTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Space as Critical Infrastructure: Increasing Resilience and Enabling the Next Generation of Space-Based Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Space infrastructure underpins far more than connectivity. This session examines how space-based systems \u2014 spanning communications, earth exploration, navigation, positioning, timing (PNT) and emerging in-orbit data centres \u2014 are becoming indispensable to global resilience. As commercial actors such as hyperscalers explore deploying large constellations to support space-based data processing, what are the implications for spectrum use, orbital sustainability and international governance? How do we ensure that this expanding critical infrastructure remains secure, resilient and equitably accessible?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

17:15<\/div><\/div>
Day 2 Close<\/div>
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<strong>Wednesday, 14 October 2026<\/strong>\u00a0(Day 3)<\/h4>\r\n \n
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09:00 \u2013 10:30<\/div><\/div>
SPECIAL SESSION\u00a0 |\u00a0 90 MINS\u00a0 |\u00a0 SUPPORTED BY UNOOSA<\/strong><\/div>
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The Legal Framework for Space: International Space Law and the Path to Responsible Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A 90-minute session examining the foundations and evolution of international space law and its application to the rapidly changing space environment, including the legal challenges posed by mega-constellations, active debris removal and direct-to-device services. Content and focus to be developed in partnership with UNOOSA.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10:30 \u2013 10:50<\/div><\/div>
Morning Refreshment Break<\/div>
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10:50 \u2013 11:05<\/div><\/div>
TECH DEMO \/ SPOTLIGHT | 15 MINS<\/div>
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Spotlight Session #4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A focused 15-minute demonstration or innovation. Example format: company\/organisation presents a live system or data platform for 10 mins + 5 min Q&A. Topic and presenter TBC<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11:05 \u2013 12:00<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 10 | COMBINED CONNECTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/div>
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WRC-27 and the Future of Satellite Connectivity and Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Aligning global spectrum decisions with long-term space governance goals. How should the sector prepare for WRC-27? What outcomes are needed to support both connectivity expansion and orbital sustainability? Note: the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference takes place one month after this event (November 2026) \u2013 a focus on this could also be brought into this panel.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12:00 \u2013 12:50<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 11 | CONNECTIVITY FOCUS<\/div>
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The New Frontier: Lunar Communications and the Infrastructure to Connect Deep Space<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As lunar missions accelerate and deep space exploration expands, so does the demand for robust, interoperable communications infrastructure beyond Earth orbit. A discussion around the architecture, standards and coordination needed to build a reliable lunar and deep space connectivity ecosystem – who builds it, who governs it, and how do we ensure it remains open and accessible?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12:50 \u2013 13:40<\/div><\/div>
Lunch Break<\/div>
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13:40 \u2013 14:35<\/div><\/div>
PANEL 12 | SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/strong><\/div>
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Sustainability from Space: The Power of Earth Exploration Satellite Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Earth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS) and remote sensing technologies are among the most powerful tools humanity has for monitoring and protecting our planet. This session examines the contribution of earth observation to climate science, maritime and air traffic monitoring, disaster response and environmental sustainability \u2014 exploring what is at stake if spectrum access and orbital conditions for these services are not adequately protected. How do we ensure that the growth of commercial constellations does not come at the cost of the earth observation capabilities that underpin our understanding of the planet?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14:35 \u2013 15:30<\/div><\/div>
PANEL\u00a0 13 | SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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From Standards to Ratings: Implementing Global Orbital Stewardship<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Exploring mandatory regulatory requirements versus voluntary industry benchmarks, and how transparency tools and sustainability ratings can be operationalised to promote responsible behaviour and accountability in orbit.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

15:30 \u2013 15:50<\/div><\/div>
Afternoon Refreshment Break<\/div>
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15:50 \u2013 16:45<\/div><\/div>
CLOSING PLENARY\u00a0 |\u00a0 COMBINED CONNECTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS<\/strong><\/div>
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Bringing It All Together: A Blueprint for Future Growth, Innovation and Responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Drawing together the key themes and conclusions of the three days. Designing regulatory and governance frameworks that support both competitiveness and sustainability. Identifying concrete next steps and agreed actions for ITU, CST and the global space community. Format: moderated synthesis discussion with floor contributions from audience.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It is proposed that interactive live audience polling is used during this session: This could look at helping to create some tangible outcomes from the event e.g. ‘What is the single most important action the international community must take in the next 12 months?’ ; and some of the questions asked on day 1 e.g. ‘Do you see sustainability and connectivity as competing priorities or shared imperatives?’ could be repeated to see if the discussions over the previous 3 days have altered opinions amongst attendees.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

16:45 \u2013 17:00<\/div><\/div>
JOINT CLOSING CEREMONY\u00a0 |\u00a0 PLENARY<\/strong><\/div>
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Closing Ceremony & Presentation of Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Closing remarks from ITU and CST leadership. Presentation of key outcomes and agreed actions across the three days. Formal close of the Global Space Connectivity & Sustainability Week.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

17:00 \u2013 18:30<\/div><\/div>
Day 3 Close<\/div>
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This information will be made available soon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-156","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"gs-tiny":false,"xl":false,"xxl":false,"xxxl":false,"xxxxl":false,"xxxxxl":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"mgaillard","author_link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/author\/mgaillard\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"This information will be made available soon","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=156"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/156\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/ssf\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}