By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kigali
is set to host the IAF Global Space Conference on Climate Change 2026 (GLOC
2026) from June 2 to 4, marking the first time the global forum will be held on
the African continent.
The
conference is being organized by the International Astronautical Federation
(IAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), and will take place at
the Kigali Convention Centre under the theme “Uniting Space and Earth for
Climate Resilience.”
GLOC
2026 is expected to convene a broad range of participants, including heads of
state, government ministers, senior representatives of space agencies, industry
leaders, investors, scientists, astronauts, development partners, financial
institutions, and civil society actors. The event will open with a high-level
ceremony and the inauguration of an accompanying exhibition.
Organisers
say the conference comes at a critical time as climate change continues to
exert pressure on ecosystems and economies globally. Increasing reliance on
Earth observation satellites, climate data systems, and environmental
monitoring platforms has positioned space technology as a key tool in
supporting decision-making and resilience planning.
Chief
Executive Officer of the Rwanda Space Agency, Gaspard Twagirayezu, said hosting
the conference reflects Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging science and
technology to address pressing development challenges. He noted that the forum
will provide a platform for both policy and scientific discussions on the role
of space technologies in climate monitoring, prediction, and resilience.
President
of the International Astronautical Federation, Gabriella Arrigo, described the
decision to bring the conference to Africa as a significant step toward
strengthening global collaboration in the space sector. She emphasized that
Africa’s growing space ecosystem will contribute valuable perspectives to
discussions on climate solutions.
The
three-day event will feature high-level panels, technical sessions,
exhibitions, and networking opportunities across key themes, including
space-based climate monitoring, Earth observation, sustainability, policy
innovation, and international cooperation.
Organisers
indicated that the conference will also serve as a platform to amplify African
perspectives in global policy discussions on space and climate. Registration is
currently open, with reduced participation rates available for African
nationals and students.
