Agenda

This opening session will frame the day’s Forum through the lens of Meridian’s 65-year legacy as a trusted convener across sectors, governments, and borders offering a forward-looking vision for the evolving architecture of global engagement through space diplomacy and the new actors shaping diplomacy in a complex international landscape. 

Speaker:

T.H. Fred Hochberg | Chair, Board of Trustees, Meridian International Center 

Podium Remarks

T.H. Jared Isaacman | Administrator, NASA  

With the International Space Station (ISS) nearing the end of its operational life, global space cooperation is entering a new phase shaped by commercial space stations and the advent of industrial space diplomacy. Panelists will discuss emerging models for LEO and deepspace collaboration, including privately led platforms, multinational missions, and frameworks such as the Artemis Accords and China’s ILRS. The discussion will examine whether these dynamics lead to fragmented engagement or durable coalitions, highlighting lessons from the ISS that can inform future cooperative architectures and how diplomatic, technical, and commercial considerations intersect in the next era of space partnerships.

Speakers:

T.H. Salem Humaid Al Marri | Director General, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), UAE

Dr. Jeff Foust | Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews (moderator)

Dr. Peggy Whitson | Vice President of Human Space Flight, Axiom Space

As Africa’s space economy grows, the United States is working to foster strategic partnerships that advance shared interests. U.S. government representatives will explore the power and potential of partnering with African space programs to advance Earth observation, communications, and space science initiatives. 

Speakers:

Valda Vikmanis | Director, Office of Space Affairs, U.S. Department of State 

Dr. Brian Weeden | Director of Civil and Commercial Policy, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, The Aerospace Corporation (moderator)  

Jaisha Wray | Associate Administrator for International Affairs, NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce 

Africa is rapidly emerging as a hub for regional and global space activity. This panel will explore how countries across the continent are developing space capabilities, forging strategic partnerships, and collaborating internationally. Speakers will discuss Africa’s growing role in the global space economy and the opportunities these initiatives present for innovation, sustainable development, and long-term growth. 

Speakers:

Nneka Achapu | Principal & CEO, Asha Strategies (moderator) 

Rama Afullo | CEO, Satlyt  

Dr. Zolana João | Director, Angolan Space Agency  

Matt Petit | Mission Lead, Vannevar Labs; Director for African Affairs, NSC (2022-2023) 

Collaboration across borders is critical as the space economy enters a new era of commercial growth. Panelists will explore the importance of transatlantic relations in space, highlighting opportunities for joint investments, commercial partnerships, and coordinated initiatives with European partners. Panelists will also discuss the broader geopolitical context, including geopolitical tensions, and how these dynamics influence strategic cooperation, market participation, and innovation in the global space sector. 

Speaker:

T.H. Jim Bridenstine | Managing Partner, The Artemis Group; 13th NASA Administrator (2018-2021); U.S. House of Representatives (R-OK1) (2013 - 2018)  

Hélène Huby | CEO, The Exploration Company   

National security considerations are redefining U.S. space partnerships as the Administration advances initiatives such as Golden Dome and related defense programs. This session examines how the Department of War and U.S. Space Force are structuring allied cooperation to strengthen deterrence, resilience, and operational integration, while shaping pathways for commercial participation and broader international engagement. Panelists will explore where international partners can engage, how collaboration is structured, and what this evolving framework means for allied governments and U.S. space companies operating in the space defense arena.

Speakers:

Todd Harrison | Senior Fellow, AEI 

Clayton Swope | Deputy Director, Aerospace Security Project; Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department, CSIS 

Cortney Weinbaum | Senior Management Scientist, Senior National Security Researcher, RAND   

Frank Justice | Vice President of Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center 

Guests can enjoy refreshments and network amongst other attendees. 

Multilateral cooperation is essential for ensuring the safety, sustainability, and inclusiveness of space activities. These remarks will highlight UNOOSA’s role in convening governments, industry stakeholders, and international partners, supporting space situational awareness, traffic coordination, and broader governance frameworks that enable responsible growth across the outer space ecosystem. 

Speakers:

Aarti Holla-Maini | Director, United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs  

Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Initiative advances collaboration in the global space economy by fostering transatlantic partnerships, enabling co-investment, and engaging international stakeholders. The session will frame how strategic cooperation across borders and sectors can support sustainable growth, innovation, and shared opportunities in the evolving space ecosystem.

Speaker:

Frank Justice | Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center

As the global space economy grows, the United States is focused on fostering collaboration and creating an environment that attracts investment and innovation. This fireside will explore how voluntary commercial standards, industry frameworks, and policy initiatives can support safe, interoperable, and sustainable growth. The discussion will highlight how public-private partnerships and international engagement help strengthen U.S. leadership while enabling shared opportunities in a multipolar space market.

Speakers:

T.H. Taylor Jordan | Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation & Prediction, NOAA; Director, Office of Space Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce

T.H. Fred Hochberg | Chair, Board of Trustees, Meridian International Center (moderator)

As space activity expands across both government and industry, effective orbital stewardship increasingly depends on deep public–private collaboration. This session explores how governments and corporate operators can jointly shape technical standards, data sharing frameworks, and responsible operational norms for space situational awareness, debris mitigation, and long-term orbital sustainability. Panelists will examine emerging international coordination efforts, policy incentives that encourage industry participation, and cooperative models that strengthen safety, interoperability, and resilience across a multipolar space environment.

Speakers:

Jacqueline Feldscher | Managing Editor, Payload (moderator)

Andrew Johnson | Deputy Head, New Zealand Space Agency 

Anil Prakash | General Director, SIA-India 

Dr. Jong-Shinn Wu | Director General, TASA

Innovation and resilience are critical to a robust global satellite supply chain. This session will explore strategies for securing critical components, accelerating technological development, and fostering collaboration between industry and international partners to ensure a sustainable and competitive satellite ecosystem.

Speakers:

Adel Al-Saleh | Chief Executive Officer, SES

Kellee Wicker | Vice President, Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space, Meridian International Center (moderator)

Private capital is enabling nations to build sovereign space capabilities, develop critical infrastructure, and compete in the global space economy. Panelists will discuss the role of private investment in building space infrastructure, fostering collaboration between foreign companies and national governments, and enabling public-private partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into risk-sharing frameworks, blended finance approaches, and case studies where financial innovation has accelerated space sovereignty for emerging and established spacefaring nations.

Speakers:

Fredrik Gustavsson | Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, SWISSto12 

Caitlin Heffernan | Senior Vice President, Macquarie Group  

Kelli Kedis Ogborn | Strategic Advisor, Global Markets & Industry Engagement, Commercial Space Federation (moderator)

Praveen Vetrivel | CEO, SLI

Podium Remarks 

Speaker:

Frank Justice | Vice President of Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center

Guests can enjoy refreshments and network amongst other attendees. 

Reception Remarks 

Speakers:

Frank Justice | Vice President of Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center 

Dr. John E. Thompson | Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State