Convening
2026 Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum
As space rapidly evolves into a domain defined by both competition and cooperation, Meridian International Center convened global leaders for its 2026 Space Diplomacy Forum: Shared Horizons. Held at Meridian House in Washington, D.C., the Forum created a platform to explore how diplomacy, policy, and partnership must adapt to a more complex and commercially driven space environment. Bringing together 33 speakers across 15 sessions, alongside 150 in-person attendees and more than 1,150 virtual participants, the Forum reflected the growing scale and significance of activity in space.
Leaders from government, industry, international space agencies, and the diplomatic corps examined the forces shaping this next chapter—from national security considerations and market expansion to global governance and long-term sustainability. Participants explored how cross-sector partnerships can help establish norms, strengthen coordination, and ensure that space remains a domain guided by shared responsibility — offering a clear roadmap for aligning stakeholders, strengthening global partnerships, and advancing a more secure, cooperative future in space.
Panels Space Diplomacy Forum 2026 - Opening Remarks Watch This opening session framed the day’s Forum through the lens of Meridian’s 65-year legacy as a trusted convener across sectors, governments, and borders offering a forward-looking vision for the evolving architecture of global engagement through space diplomacy and the new actors shaping diplomacy in a complex international landscape. Speaker: T.H. Fred Hochberg | Chair, Board of Trustees, Meridian International Center Keynote Remarks from NASA Administrator T.H.
Jared Isaacman Top Takeaways Watch NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s keynote, delivered one day after NASA’s “Ignition” announcement , outlined a significant reorientation of U.S. space policy toward speed, execution, and sustained operational presence across lunar and orbital domains. Speaker: Jared Isaacman | Administrator, NASA Space Diplomacy Post-ISS Top Takeaways Watch With the International Space Station (ISS) nearing the end of its operational life, global space cooperation is entering a new phase shaped by commercial space stations and the advent of industrial space diplomacy.
Panelists discussed emerging models for LEO and deepspace collaboration, including privately led platforms, multinational missions, and frameworks such as the Artemis Accords and China’s ILRS. The discussion examined whether these dynamics lead to fragmented engagement or durable coalitions, highlighting lessons from the ISS that can inform future cooperative architectures and how diplomatic, technical, and commercial considerations intersect in the next era of space partnerships.
Speakers: Salem Humaid Al Marri | Director General, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), UAE Jeff Foust | Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews (moderator) Dr. Peggy Whitson | Vice President of Human Space Flight, Axiom Space International Space Diplomacy in Africa: U.S.-Africa Collaboration Top Takeaways Watch As Africa’s space economy grows, the United States is working to foster strategic partnerships that advance shared interests.
U.S. government representatives explored the power and potential of partnering with African space programs to advance Earth observation, communications, and space science initiatives. Speakers: Valda Vikmanis | Director, Office of Space Affairs, U.S. Department of State Brian Weeden | Director of Civil and Commercial Policy, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, The Aerospace Corporation (moderator) Jaisha Wray | Associate Administrator for International Affairs, NTIA, U.S.
Department of Commerce International Space Diplomacy in Africa: Partnerships Shaping the Continent's Future Top Takeaways Watch Africa is rapidly emerging as a hub for regional and global space activity. This panel explored how countries across the continent are developing space capabilities, forging strategic partnerships, and collaborating internationally. Speakers discussed Africa’s growing role in the global space economy and the opportunities these initiatives present for innovation, sustainable development, and long-term growth.
Speakers: Nneka Achapu | Principal & CEO, Asha Strategies (moderator) Rama Afullo | CEO, Satlyt Zolana João | Director, Angolan Space Agency Matt Petit | Mission Lead, Vannevar Labs; Director for African Affairs, NSC (2022-2023) Advancing Space Cooperation in a Complex Geopolitical Environment Top Takeaways Watch Collaboration across borders is critical as the space economy enters a new era of commercial growth. Panelist explored the importance of transatlantic relations in space, highlighting opportunities for joint investments, commercial partnerships, and coordinated initiatives with European partners.
Panelists also discussed the broader geopolitical context, including geopolitical tensions, and how these dynamics influence strategic cooperation, market participation, and innovation in the global space sector. Speakers: Jim Bridenstine | Managing Partner, The Artemis Group; 13th NASA Administrator (2018-2021); U.S. House of Representatives (R-OK1) (2013 - 2018) Hélène Huby | CEO, The Exploration Company National Security Space Partnerships within the America First Framework Top Takeaways Watch National security considerations are redefining U.S. space partnerships as the Administration advances initiatives such as Golden Dome and related defense programs.
This session examined how the Department of War and U.S. Space Force are structuring allied cooperation to strengthen deterrence, resilience, and operational integration, while shaping pathways for commercial participation and broader international engagement. Panelists explored where international partners can engage, how collaboration is structured, and what this evolving framework means for allied governments and U.S. space companies operating in the space defense arena.
Speakers: Todd Harrison | Senior Fellow, AEI Clayton Swope | Deputy Director, Aerospace Security Project; Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department, CSIS Cortney Weinbaum | Senior Management Scientist, Senior National Security Researcher, RAND Frank Justice | Vice President of Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center Virtual Remarks by Aarti Holla-Maini Watch Multilateral cooperation is essential for ensuring the safety, sustainability, and inclusiveness of space activities.
These remarks highlighted UNOOSA’s role in convening governments, industry stakeholders, and international partners, supporting space situational awareness, traffic coordination, and broader governance frameworks that enable responsible growth across the outer space ecosystem. Speaker: Aarti Holla-Maini | Director, United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs Meridian's Space Diplomacy Initiative Watch Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Initiative advances collaboration in the global space economy by fostering transatlantic partnerships, enabling co-investment, and engaging international stakeholders.
The session framed how strategic cooperation across borders and sectors can support sustainable growth, innovation, and shared opportunities in the evolving space ecosystem. Speaker: Frank Justice | Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs; Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, Meridian International Center Accelerating Investment in a Multipolar Space Economy Top Takeaways Watch As the global space economy grows, the United States is focused on fostering collaboration and creating an environment that attracts investment and innovation.