Prof Anu Ojha OBE was invited to speak at the Global Space Congress by Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency. The Global Space Congress runs from 19th – 21st March and is hosted by the UAE Space Agency in Abu Dhabi. It is a strategic gathering of global space industry leaders.
Promoting the worldwide industry of space, the Congress will bring together over 600 key space agencies, commercial space businesses, academics and space service users.
The Congress will focus on collaboration in space and satellite technology strategies to bring about global and regional economic benefits.
Anu is representing several organisations at the Congress. Appointed to an Honorary Professorship in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester in 2017, Anu will represent the University as well as the National Space Academy. He will also provide input through his roles as a member of STFC Council and ESA's Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee (HESAC) - you can read more abo
ut Anu's work outide of the National Space Academy here. 
Anu will lead plenary panel discussions on Human Spaceflight and mentors for young people in science, and participate in strategic discussions on the future of international collaboration in the space industry.
The Global Space Congress "hosts discussions and initiatives that will have a practical and lasting impact on the overall development of the space sector in the Middle East and globally." – Global Space Congress website.
The Human Spaceflight panel will consist of two former astronauts; former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and JAXA Chair Koichi Wakata; the Director General of the Russian launch service provider Glavkosmos, Dmitry Loskutov; the CEO of Virgin Galactic, George Whitesides; and the senior strategic and operational leaders of the UAE's human spaceflight programme, Naser Al Rashedi and Saud Abdulaziz Karmustaji.
Anu is also moderating a Young Space Leader panel on mentorship, highlighting the importance of mentor
It is a great opportunity for the National Space Academy and the University of Leicester to be involved in shaping these conversations.ship for young people embarking on a career in the space industry.
This ties in explicitly with our work; educating 11 – 19 year olds in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects whilst also facilitating paths into the space sector!
Anu will also participate in one of the keynote opening panels of the Congress, focused on Space for the Socioeconomic benefit of all; linking space activities to the UN's Sustainable Development goals.
(National Space Academy logo pictured: We recently celebrated 10 years!)
Dr Kierann Shah, National Space Academy General Manager and Kersti Fourcin, Marketing and Communications Manager, recently wrote an article on how space science can contribute to some of the sustainable development goals, such as climate change and zero hunger. These discussions will continue to be an important part of space strategy moving forward.
Finally, Anu has also been appointed to the Global Space Congress Advisory Board, alongside 24 other international sector leaders and influencers from across the world, selected by the UAE Space Agency.
Other representatives include Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chair at Surrey Satellite Ltd; Ms. Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs; Dr. Graham Turnock, CEO of the UK Space Agency; Dr. Olga Stelmakh - Drescher, Director of Business Development & International Affairs at the International Institute of Space Commerce and Stuart Martin, CEO of the UK Satellite Applications Catapult. You can see a full list of GSC Advisory Board representatives here.
The Global Space Congress will be an opportunity for all those involved to develop an internationally cohesive space programme and work towards global space partnerships.
Both the University of Leicester and the National Space Academy recognise the need for international collaboration. The two organisations recently facilitated an undergraduate Summer School for Chinese students and will be doing the same for a group of UAE students in the Summer of 2019.
Anu said
"It is important for space leaders across the world to share best practice in skills, satellite technology and applications, robotics and human spaceflight. It is in an honour to have been invited to speak at the UAE Global Space Congress and I look forward to discussions about the future of space science. Science truly has no borders."
(Pictured title image: Anu speaks at the National Space Academy celebration dinner in October 2018)