In her address, Ksenia Drozdova, Director General of Intersputnik, commented on the longstanding cooperation between Intersputnik and EUTELSAT seeking to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the humanity via satellite communications. The Opening Ceremony of the Assembly of the Parties meeting was also attended by delegates from EUTELSAT member states, other intergovernmental telecommunications organisations such as the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) and the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

In her speech, Ms. Drozdova has highlighted that Intersputnik and EUTELSAT share the same goals and objectives and the understanding of the essential role of satellite communications for sustainable development. Both EUTELSAT and Intersputnik hold permanent observer status with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), where they share the floor at the sessions to discuss topical legal, scientific and technical aspects of space activities and, above all, their sustainability. In this regard, last month, Intersputnik proposed that a topic titled “Satellite Communications for Society” be added to the agenda of the workshop on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities that will take place next year. Sustainability is also a major part of the agenda of another important UN-system industry forum – the International Telecommunication Union and its Sectors, where both Intersputnik and EUTELSAT work as Sector members.

Coordinated participation of the international organisations being global satellite industry leaders in the work of major industry events, including the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference and the sessions of COPUOS and its subcommittees, could be a powerful tool to facilitate joint efforts in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, Ksenia Drozdova proposed pooling the efforts of four partner organisations: Intersputnik, EUTELSAT, ITSO and IMSO, who are bound by years of cooperation, to step up the cooperation to exchange ideas and experience and form new partnerships.

“Satellite communications are vital to everyday life on Earth,” said Ksenia Drozdova. “They allow people to access basic social services, education and medical care in remote parts of the planet, keep disaster sites connected and ensure safety. That is why our organisations strive to make satellite communications more accessible and sustainable.”

Today, when the satellite industry has to transform fundamentally to respond to new global challenges and the old interaction patterns no longer work, efficient and open international cooperation is more essential than ever. And it is here that international intergovernmental organisations such as Intersputnik and EUTELSAT are set to play a leading role to foster a deeper dialogue between various market players, businesses, public and intergovernmental institutions.

Photos: ©EUTELSAT IGO/Dagmara BOJENKO