G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2020
The Saudi Space Commission hosted the first Space Economy Leaders Meeting – 20 on October 3, 2020, bringing together G20 space agency leaders as part of the Kingdom’s G20 Presidency. The virtual meeting focused on key areas: peaceful space exploration, investment in the space industry, and innovation in space science. It aimed to strengthen international collaboration in the space sector. A final statement outlined recommendations for G20 space agencies, aligned with the United Nations’ “Space2030” agenda.
Previous SELM Meetings
G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2021
The G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2021 took place on 20 and 21 September 2021 in Italy, hosted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The meeting brought together Heads of G20 space agencies, international space organisations, and industry leaders to discuss the role of the space economy in driving global growth and well-being. Key discussions focused on the need to raise awareness among G20 leaders about the strategic importance of space, particularly its contributions to digitalisation, climate monitoring, and innovation. A background paper by the OECD Space Forum was presented, outlining major challenges and offering policy recommendations to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive global space economy.
G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2022
The G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2022 took place on 27 to 28 October 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This meeting was attended by 20 heads of space agencies at the ministerial level from G20 member countries, along with representatives from five invited countries outside the G20. Leaders from industry and international space organisations within G20 nations also participated. Space20 represented an international collaborative effort among G20 countries, focused on advancing economic and environmentally driven initiatives in the field of space. Executive Director of the Indonesian Space Agency (INASA), Erna Sri Adiningsih, explained that the meeting was divided into two sessions. The first was the Space Agency Session, which focused on priority issues in the space economy sector, particularly under the theme “Space for Digital, Green, and Blue Economy.” This session aimed to formulate space-related recommendations that would benefit G20 countries. The second was the Space Industrial Session, attended by key figures from the space industry — ranging from start-ups to large-scale enterprises.
G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2023
The G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) 2023 was held in India, with a precursor event in Shillong followed by the main gathering in Bengaluru on 6 July 2023. This 4th edition of the SELM brought together G20 member states, international organisations, and private sector leaders to explore the expanding role of the space economy in global development.
Panel discussions highlighted national perspectives on space-based technologies, ongoing efforts to promote the space economy, and shared challenges. Speakers underscored that space technology has become integral to everyday life, supporting sectors such as communication, agriculture, navigation, and disaster management.
Indian Minister of State for Finance emphasised the critical role of space technologies in fostering growth and prosperity, while Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, noted that increased private sector participation will help boost India’s contribution to the global space economy.
The meeting reflected growing recognition among G20 countries of the strategic importance of space, and reinforced the need for international cooperation and innovation to unlock its full economic and societal potential.
G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2024
The 5th G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) took place from 11 to 13 September 2024 under the theme “Space Economy and Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities.” Hosted by Brazil as part of its G20 Presidency, the meeting brought together global space leaders to explore how space-based technologies can support efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
The event served as a key platform for dialogue among G20 space agencies, international organisations, and industry stakeholders on harnessing the space economy to address environmental challenges, such as climate monitoring, disaster resilience, and sustainable resource management.
The meeting also helped set the stage for the inaugural IAF Global Space Leaders Summit, scheduled for 15 October 2024, marking a major milestone in global space governance.
This SELM aligned with the broader G20 Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from 18 to 19 November 2024, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” reinforcing the critical role of space in shaping a more equitable and climate-resilient future.
Legacy of Impact
