SINC 2023: Space for Island Nations Conference at a Climate Change Hotspot

The world’s first “Space for Island Nations” conference is set to take place in the island nation of the Maldives, from 2-5 May 2023. This event will bring together international space companies, policymakers from island nations and NGOs alongside experts in climate science and environmental management. SINC 2023 is hosted by the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO).

SINC conference in a sinking nation

The name of the conference must be a reference to the main challenge of the Maldives and other low-lying coastal locations around the world. Sea level rise caused by global warming is posing a critical risk to the safety of these places, and the Maldives is often referred to as a ‘sinking nation’. The conference will address this urgent challenge and propose solutions from space.

Space for climate change

For government representatives from different island nations, this conference is an opportunity to network with other islands that share similar issues in climate change, erosion, maritime security, illegal fishing, and explore potential applications of space technology and uses of space data to solve these problems. Space entrepreneurship, space education as well as building resilient communities and robust ecosystems are therefore key themes of SINC 2023.

The conference aims to foster networking opportunities between space companies and policy makers for equatorial opportunities, be that to build an ecosystem around strategic locations of islands, or to grow the blue ocean economy and even space tourism with launches from the equator. At SINC, Earth Observation organisations will be able to connect with the needs of the island communities and derive market-driven data products, discover investment opportunities and geoanalytics solutions.

“We are thrilled to host the ‘Space for Island Nations’ conference in the Maldives. It is our first space conference and it is about time to put islands on the map,” said Madin Maseeh, President of MSRO. “Island nations like the Maldives are particularly faced with the effects of climate change. With the Maldives’ alluring natural environment we are sure that this conference location is ideal to witness the connection between space and nature, and experience the vulnerable beauty of our country.”

During the four day programme the delegates can expect a diverse full-day conference programming and engaging evening receptions. Delegates will have the opportunity to mix with international attendees as well as local Maldivians to exchange on climate, space and environment policy. The conference will conclude on the fourth day with selected full-day remote site visits.

The conference will take place at Crossroads Maldives which boasts state-of-the-art conference facilities and a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean, with easy access to the capital. Registration for the conference is open now for international delegates, local Maldivians and online participation. Interested attendees can visit the conference website to learn more about the event and register.

About the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO)

MSRO’s vision is to help Maldives become a spacefaring nation that makes significant contributions to the exploration and use of space. It wants to create a space sector in the Maldives that can help the country become more climate resilient, protect its maritime domain, diversify its economy and empower locals using science and education of space.

MSRO is a result of an inspiring international collaboration of more than 100 members from around the world wanting to help the Maldives survive against climate change. MSRO is an NGO and was founded in 2022.

Website and tickets

Conference website

Early bird tickets are available until March 15th 2023.