Dubai to feature ‘Space-Enabled Sustainability’ roundtable on December 7

Event focus: How space data can support businesses’ climate change objectives

Serco Middle East and the UAE-UK Business Council will host a networking breakfast roundtable entitled ‘Space-Enabled Sustainability’ on December 7, 2023, at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, UAE.

Running parallel to COP28 UAE (November 30-December 12, 2023), the breakfast roundtable will explore how space data can support businesses’ climate change objectives.

Presided over by Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East and Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair of the UAE-UK Business Council, the intimate event aims to focus attendees’ attention on the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative.

Speakers’ roster

Speakers at the roundtable discussion will include Amar Vora, Head of Space – Serco Middle East; Prashanth Marpu, VP R&D – Bayanat; Anna Hazlett, Principal and Founder – AzurX; David Merren, Assistant Director for Analytics & Spatial – Deloitte; and Gregoire Berry, International Space Market Director – Serco Europe.

Topics for discussion will include why space is critical infrastructure in the UAE’s journey to net zero; how space can be an asset to achieve climate goals; creating a global talent pool in the space sector; the role of government and academia within the space ecosystem; the challenges of an increasingly congested space environment and collective responsibility to protect it; and the importance of partnerships and collaboration to advance the public/private sector in the UAE and the UK.

Event schedule:

• 8:00-8:30am: Networking breakfast.
• 8:30-8:35am: Welcome and opening address by Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair of the UAE-UK Business Council and Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East.
• 8:35-9:15am: Roundtable discussion with speakers, comprising Amar Vora, Head of Space – Serco Middle East; Prashanth Marpu, VP R&D – Bayanat; Anna Hazlett, Principal and Founder – AzurX; David Merren, Assistant Director for Analytics & Spatial – Deloitte; and Gregoire Berry, International Space Market Director – Serco Europe.
• 9:15-9:30am: Audience Q&A.

Space-enabled sustainability harnesses satellite technology to address global challenges. By leveraging space-based data and communication tools, this innovative approach aims to enhance sustainability efforts on Earth.

From monitoring climate change and deforestation to improving disaster response and resource management, the initiative underscores the pivotal role of space technology in advancing environmental and social goals.

Space-enabled sustainability can empower decision-makers with real-time information to drive positive change that addresses pressing issues and fosters a resilient and interconnected planet.

COP28 overview

COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is being held at Dubai Expo City to make significant global commitments.

Representatives from 197 countries are expected to gather at COP28 to address urgent climate challenges. The conference aims to see a renewed emphasis on collaboration, with nations pledging to accelerate efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Key outcomes expected at COP28 include a landmark agreement on enhanced climate finance, with developed nations committing to provide $200 billion annually to support developing countries’ climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, it is hoped that a consensus will be reached on a comprehensive framework for monitoring and reporting emissions, fostering transparency in climate action.

Based in Dubai, Serco Middle East operates in the transport, healthcare, citizen services, defence, justice, and immigration sectors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq.

Featured image: The breakfast roundtable will be held at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Knowledge Park. Image: Serco Middle East

Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto