On the occasion of the Italian National Space Day promoted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), our Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, presents the panel discussion: “Space Economy: The New Frontier for Development”
Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at 6:30 PM
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
RSVP: giornatanazionaledellospazio.splashthat.com
Introduction
The notion of the space economy as the new frontier for development points to a profound transformation: space is no longer only about exploration, but about shaping the foundations of progress on Earth. Today, satellites and space infrastructures are indispensable for connectivity, climate monitoring, security, and innovation—defining how nations safeguard resilience, prosperity, and global influence.
In this perspective, the United Arab Emirates have positioned themselves as a forward-looking hub of science, education, and diplomacy. Their ambitious programmes, together with world-class academic and research institutions, show how investment in space can accelerate sustainable growth while cultivating the next generation of leaders who will guide tomorrow’s transformations.
Against this backdrop, the panel will bring together top-level leaders from academia, diplomacy, and the space sector to discuss the geopolitical and strategic dimensions of the space economy. Their dialogue will illustrate how vision and cooperation can turn space into a cornerstone of stability, innovation, and sustainable
Program
Institutional Greetings
– Susanna Iacona-Salafia, Director Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
– H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE
Speakers
– Simonetta Di Pippo, President, Inspire4Tomorrow Foundation; Docente di Practice of Space Economy, SDA Bocconi – Visiting Professor NYUAD: “Space Economy, the Competitive Arena of the Future”
– Ed O’Brian, Space Affairs Attache’, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi: “The New Space Economy: Why the Solutions to Problems on Earth Begin in Orbit”
– Col. Walter Villadei, Italian Air Force Representative in the US, Houston: “Space Domain – from the ISS to the commercial spaceflight. Challenges and Opportunities” (Zoom)
Moderator
– Yazan Al Momany, Scientific Attache’, Embassy of Italy to the UAE