Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation in the Space Economy Leaders Meeting in South Africa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), concluded its active participation in the sixth edition of the Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) of the G20, hosted by the Republic of South Africa in the city of Hermanus from September 1 to 3, 2025. The meeting witnessed wide participation from space agency leaders, policymakers, industry and research experts, as well as representatives of international organizations and the private sector.

 According to a press release issued by the SSA today, the Saudi delegation was headed by Deputy CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Eng. Ahmed Al-Ghufaili, who delivered the keynote speech highlighting the pivotal role of the space economy as a driver of global economic development. He noted that the space sector has become one of the main engines for supporting innovation, stimulating investment, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He also emphasized that, through Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is working to build an integrated space ecosystem that strengthens its international presence in this vital sector.

 The release added that Al-Ghufaili also delivered the main statement across three sessions. The first addressed aligning policies with the Sustainable Development Goals, the second focused on public-private partnerships and knowledge transfer, while the third was dedicated to the sustainability of space operations. During these sessions, he showcased national initiatives that reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to space sustainability, the empowerment of the private sector, and the development of national talent.

 On the sidelines of the meeting, the agency’s delegation held several bilateral meetings with international delegations, space agencies, and specialized companies. They also visited the Space Science Center of the South African National Space Agency to review research projects, exchange expertise, and enhance prospects for future cooperation.

 The sixth edition of the meeting builds on the initiative launched by the Kingdom during its G20 Presidency in 2020, when the topic of the space economy was included for the first time on the group’s agenda, reflecting the Kingdom’s continued commitment to fostering international cooperation and leveraging space as a driver of global economic development.