BIAS Speakers

Jason is Rolls-Royce’s Regional Marketing Director for Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, based in the UAE, where he has lived since 2017. He joined Rolls-Royce in 2006, initially as a Fleet Planner in the newly formed Operations Centre in Derby, UK. After three years and following a one-year secondment with Singapore Airlines, Jason undertook a position in East Hartford, USA as the Customer Fleet Director with International Aero Engines (IAE), where Jason was responsible for the day-to-day management of the V2500 engine fleet in the Middle East. In 2012 he returned to the UK to take up the position of Marketing Director for Rolls-Royce, playing a customer relationship role in both the Target and Sales phases. Prior to joining Rolls-Royce, Jason spent 19 years in the British Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Engineer.

Vasiliki is the General Manager of IOGR Group of Companies (parent entity Aviareps Hellas SA) since 2015, a milestone year for the transformation of the Greek based Group, active in the fields of aviation, ground handling and tourism, forging teams and inspiring them passionately. Under her active management, Vasiliki has been instrumental in transforming SKY express to an international gamechanger in the European market.  Since November 2021 Vasiliki is a Vice President of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), which is representing more than 55 airlines and over 130 associate members, including aircraft manufacturers and airports.  Prior to joining IOGR, Vasiliki was Chief Legal and Regulatory in major companies, among which electronic communications operators, subscription based and free broadcasters, network infrastructure providers, media and production companies, retailers and financial institutions. Member of the Athens Bar Association since September 1996, she holds an LL.B. from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and an LL.M. from the University of Kent in Canterbury (UK). She is married and has three children. 

Justen Malott is a distinguished leader with over 24 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, including 20 years in Air Force Special Operations. A strategic executive with deep expertise in National Security Strategy, National Defense, and low-intensity conflict, he has a proven ability to lead complex, high-stakes operations and influence defense policy at the highest levels. Currently serving as the Director of Business Development at RapidFlight Aero, Justen is driving the company’s growth by identifying emerging opportunities, forging key partnerships, and shaping strategic initiatives that deliver cutting-edge UAS solutions for both the defense and commercial sectors. His leadership is central to expanding market presence and positioning RapidFlight as a leader in the unmanned systems space. Justen’s military career includes senior leadership positions such as Senior Enlisted Leader and Operations Senior Enlisted Advisor at Air Force Special Operations Command, where he managed a $250M budget and oversaw operations across 31 countries. His expertise in global flight operations, strategic planning, and policy development has driven mission success across multiple domains, integrating new technologies and improving operational readiness. He has advised Special Operations Forces leaders on UAS technologies and strategies, focusing on operational needs in low-intensity conflict scenarios. He works with key stakeholders to identify capability gaps and develop actionable solutions that enhance mission success. Known for his decisive leadership, strategic foresight, and exceptional ability to execute under pressure, Justen is a visionary leader focused on delivering high-performance solutions that address the most pressing challenges in national security and defense. 

Andreas Mustert is founder of Asterion Systems and a Dutch native.  After innovating satellite transmission technology for more than 25 years, implementing key satellite networks, specializing in cyber-secure connectivity, new excitement lured in the still young and immature drone and counter-drone industry.  In many ways the experience in satellite technology has proven invaluable in counter-drone detection product development and designing secure, undetectable wide-band communication links with drones. Under his leadership Asterion assembled a team of software and aircraft specialists capable of developing game-changing technologies.

Garvey McIntosh is currently the Senior Director for International Government Business at Axiom Space.  In this capacity, he is responsible for developing and executing Axioms strategic plans to maintain a qualified pipeline of international government agencies.  Prior to that he worked at NASA for over 20 years, including being the NASA Asia Representative based at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo for 6 years.  In this capacity he was responsible for the coordination of NASA programs and interests in Japan and other countries in the Asia Pacific Region.   Since joining NASA in the Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) in 2003, Garvey has accumulated a broad range of experience. While in OIIR, he has negotiated and completed agreements with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA’s other international partners on the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, high-energy physics and astronomy.   Prior to coming to NASA, Garvey studied economic policy and language in Vietnam as a Boren Fellow.  He also spent 4 years in Nagasaki, Japan, where he taught English conversation and composition. Garvey received his graduate degree in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California, and his undergraduate degree in Communications Studies from Northeastern University in Boston. 

Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt is Co-Founder and CEO of IP3 Corporation (International Peace, Power, and Prosperity), an international energy and security company with the mission of bringing safe and secure nuclear power to the world’s most critical markets. IP3 is comprised of proven US National Security and Energy leaders focused on stabilizing and prospering nations that are pursuing peaceful energy transition through US partnerships that bring sustainable jobs, energy, and development to the host countries, while also benefiting U.S. partner industries.
RDML Hewitt retired from active duty after 31 years of service in the United States Navy. A career naval aviator, RDML Hewitt distinguished himself across a diverse spectrum of Defense related competencies. He was not only an outstanding leader at the flag rank in naval aviation, but he has also had unqualified success in major acquisition programs, legislative affairs, joint warfare, and most notably as lead for Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations, Non-Kinetic and Net warfare for all of DoD. He is recognized as one of the departments leading experts in strategy to task advancing asymmetric warfare, non-kinetic warfare and sensitive collaboration within the Department of Defense, Interagency and National Security Staff.
Upon his retirement from the military, RDML Hewitt founded HSH Analytics, a company dedicated to providing unmatched expertise in special access program operational employment, future warfighting scenario development and emerging technologies aligned to asymmetric warfare. HSH focuses on the nexus of intelligence and military operations across the DoD, IC and Interagency. In addition, RDML Hewitt is an advisor for several corporate entities involved in cyber warfare, countering weapons of mass destruction, commercial capabilities for USG requirements and high-tech firms supporting advanced warfare concepts, endeavors, think tanks and interagency task force’s tackling our nation’s most difficult national security challenges.

Jean-Christophe Drai is a senior sales executive leader with an extensive background in the Aviation and Drone industry. With over 20+ years of experience in sales and managing aerospace companies serving civilian and military customers. At Volocopter Jean-Christophe is in charge of enabling first OEM customers with the initial sales and first Urban Air Mobility operations in Europe and Middle East. 

Professor of Space Law and Emeritus of International Law, Sapienza University of Rome. Vice-President of the Italian Society for International Organization (SIOI). Chairman of European Centre for Space Law at the European Space Agency. General Counsel of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).  Senior Legal Advisor of Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Member of its Board of Directors (2014-2018).  Legal Expert at Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Italian Delegate to UNCOPUOS since 1997. Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee (2004-2006) and Co-chair of the Expert Group D (Regulatory Regimes and Guidance for Actors in the Space Arena) of the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of the Outer Space Activities (2010-2018).  Since 2007, Italian Delegate to the Council of the EU for the Negotiation of the International Code of Conduct on Outer Space Activities (ICoC). Chair of the multilateral negotiations on ICoC held at the United Nations (New York, 2015).  Chair of the Committee of Governmental Experts for the preparation of a Protocol to the Cape Town Convention on Matters specific to Space Assets (2003-2012). Chair of the Committee of the Whole of the 2012 Berlin Diplomatic Conference, which adopted the Protocol. Since 2010, UNIDROIT correspondent for Italy. Member of two UN Group of Governmental Experts on Outer Space Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs, 2011-2013), and on Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS, 2018-2019). Member of the Specialized Panel of Permanent Court of Arbitration pursuant to Optional Rules on Disputes relating to Outer Space Activities. In 2011, Social Sciences Award from the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and, in 2015, Distinguished Service Award from the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). Author of over 250 scientific publications, including the volume “The Law of Outer Space Activities” (2022). 

Zealous about deep tech entrepreneurship to democratise technology, and foster sustainable development, Prof. Satya Chakravarthy is the Founder & CEO of The ePlane Company, which is in pursuit of building India’s 1st flying electric taxi. In 2019, he embarked on a path to make flying ubiquitous by teaching the world’s first electric aircraft alongside The ePlane Company being incubated at IIT Madras. He also founded and heads the National Centre for Combustion Research & Development (NCCRD) – one of the world’s largest research centres that houses state-of-the-art infrastructure for combustion research. Beyond this, Prof. Satya is a two-time TEDX speaker and also the Co-founder of innovative startups such as, Agnikul Cosmos, Aerostrovilos Energy, Avishkaar Hyperloop and GalaxEye that are redefining the aerospace ecosystem in India. Recently, he was also accredited as the ‘Startup Enabler of the Year’ at TiECON Chennai 2022.

Samer A Majali started his career in 1979 with Royal Jordanian Airlines. He completed his M.Sc. Degree in Air Transport Management, Cranfield Institute of Technology, UK (Lloyds Aviation Economics Prize). He has held various executive positions in Royal Jordanian in Flight Operations, Corporate Planning, Information Technology and Passenger Services between 1989-2001. He was President & Chief Executive Officer Royal Jordanian between 2001-2009, Chief Executive Officer Gulf Air, 2009-2012. In 2013 he was the Senior Advisor to Chairman of Oman Air (Omani Minister of Finance). Samer moved to hold a Chief Executive Officer Saudi Gulf Airlines / President Al Qahtani Aviation, Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani Group, Saudi Arabia between 2013-2019. in 2019 he founded P l a n e V i s I o n –Corporate Strategy & Organization Advisory in Bahrain and was Senior Advisor – Alton Aviation Consultancy, New York, Dublin. He is currently Vice Chairman / CEO (designated) at Royal Jordanian Airlines.

Haldane Dodd is Executive Director at the Geneva-based Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). This organisation, the only global grouping of players from across the aviation industry, brings together airports, airlines, air navigation service providers, aircraft and engine manufacturers and SAF producers to agree common goals. ATAG’s current mission is to provide a platform through which the aviation sector is working to reduce its climate change impact. ATAG works with funding members ACI, IATA, CANSO, Airbus, ATR, Boeing, CFM, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Safran to ensure aviation is able to respond to global decarbonisation and sustainability objectives. Previously, Haldane was Head of Communications and Advocacy at ATAG and Communications Manager with Airports Council International World headquarters where he worked on issues such as the environment, security and airport economics. A British native, Haldane also holds New Zealand citizenship and started his aviation career at the listed company Auckland International Airport Limited, which runs New Zealand’s busiest airport. He has a background in broadcast media and holds a Bachelor of Communications Studies.

Hamda Al Hosani has joined the UAE Space Agency in 2019. She works as a Space Policies and Legislation Specialist. Her role involves developing the regulatory framework and procedures of the space sector, and supporting the national space economy, with the aim of enabling innovation in the space sector and contribute towards a knowledge-based economy. Hamda is holding a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  

Simonetta Di Pippo, astrophysicist, currently Professor of Space Economy and Director SEE Lab (SDA Bocconi) and visiting professor at NYUAD. Previously, Director of UNOOSA, of Human Spaceflight at ESA, of the Observation of the Universe at ASI. Author of Space Economy – the new frontier for development and The Moon, a lab for peace. IAA Academician and WEF Global Future Council on space member. In 2009, she founded WIA-Europe and in 2017 became a UN International Gender Champion. In 2008, IAU named asteroid 21887 “dipippo“. Hubert Curien award winner, she entered in 2022 the IAF Hall of Fame. Currently she is also President of D-Orbit S.p.A. and Member of the Board of Directors of RINA S.p.A. 2024 Forbes 50 over 50. 

Nada AlSaeed is the Chief of Strategy at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), responsible for strategy formulation and management, research, as well policy and strategic initiatives. During her 12-year tenure in the EDB, Nada worked on several initiatives in economic planning, public policy and economic reform. She spent approximately two years in San Francisco as a Data Policy fellow at the World Economic Forum’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, working on global initiatives related to data privacy, cross border data flows, artificial intelligence and other emerging tech policies. Nada also worked in several government entities including the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. Nada holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce in Economics and International Trade and a Postgraduate Degree in Economics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Sheriza Bazari is passionate about all things people. She currently serves is her role as DIB lead in Etihad Airways. Previously, Sheriza worked in Employee Engagement, Performance Management, Leadership and Development. She has over 20 years’ experience, 18 years of which is in the Aviation industry based in the Gulf. She is a strong advocate of creating opportunities that are meaningful, impactful and fun. Her focus has always been on building senior to mid-level management/people skills and supporting Etihad Airways through Organisational Development, Performance Management and Employee Engagement. She continues to be a trusted and credible partner by adding value and impact to individuals, teams, managers and leaders. In the last year, she has been crafting the DIB strategy for Etihad Airways; setting up ERGs and integrating DIB in different areas of the business. She does this through a collaborative approach with business leaders; promoting ownership, involvement and accountability. 

Travis “Posum” Ruhl is Director, International Business Development for L3Harris Technologies. In this role, Ruhl is responsible for the electronic warfare solutions business strategy and growth, specifically focused on Viper Shield™ AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-digital Electronic Warfare Suite. Prior to serving in industry, Travis retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel following a 24-year military career that included peacetime and combat assignments as an F-16 instructor pilot, commander, and staff officer. He is a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies, Army Command and General Staff College with a Master’s Degree in Military Operational Art & Science. 

Ishaq Ishaq is the Head of Manufacturing, Transport and Manufacturing at Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), responsible for attracting inward investment to Bahrain in the Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics sectors through international outreach. Ishaq commenced his career in banking over a decade ago, where he held multiple senior positions, including the Head of Corporate Banking at Al Baraka Islamic Bank and the Head of Government, Trade and the Manufacturing sector at Bahrain Islamic Bank. He spearheaded several syndicated deals for semi-governmental institutions and private institutions in Bahrain and regionally. Ishaq holds a BSc degree in Economics, Finance and Banking from the University of Portsmouth and an International Certificate of Wealth Management from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

Jeff Ovens is currently Chief Operating Officer at SAF One – a Sustainable Aviation Fuel project developer and investor, based in Dubai UAE. An engineer by background, Jeff has been involved in sustainable aviation fuels since 2010, with tenures at airlines, SAF producers and aero engine companies. He has test flown SAF on several occasion, using novel fuel sources and production pathways and was responsible for the worlds first SAF investment by an Airline, in 2013, Jeff recently held the position of Managing Director within a US based SAF company, leading their SAF development in the UK and internationally. Now based in Dubai, Jeff leads a team of skilled development professionals, and is currently developing a pipeline of projects in multiple jurisdictions globally.

Kamil is Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East (AME), representing IATA in 68 countries, and serving 57 airlines across AME. Prior to joining IATA, Kamil was the CEO of Kuwait Airways and held various key positions at the airline. A national of Kuwait, Al-Awadhi holds an MBA in Aerospace Management from the Toulouse Business School and an Engineering degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management from Air Service Training (AST) in the UK.

Murdo Morrison FRAeS is head of strategic content for aviation news and intelligence site FlightGlobal and edits its Flight Daily News show newspaper portfolio. A 37-year veteran of business publishing, he has covered the car industry to commercial road transport and town planning to printing. Murdo has been a senior editor with FlightGlobal since 2001, and regularly appears as an industry commentator on TV and radio. He is a former Aerospace Journalist of the Year. 

Shannon Scott is Vice President Sustainability and Environment at Emirates Airline, and is a member of the IATA Sustainability and Environment Advisory Council. Before joining Emirates, he was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, and represented New Zealand on the ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection. Prior to that, he led the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and Technology’s programmes with North Asia. 

Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah is the Chief Executive Officer at Bahrain Airport Company WLL (BAC). BAC, a subsidiary of Gulf Air Group Holding BSC, has been responsible for managing, operating and developing Bahrain International Airport since 2010. On joining the company in 2012, driven by a clear vision to elevate and position Bahrain International Airport as a friendly and efficient regional hub. Mohamed has led the team working jointly with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications since 2014 to deliver the $1.1bn Bahrain International Airport Modernization Program with the aim of enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and sustaining the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 20230. Mohamed is a board member of BAC Jet Fuel Company WLL, developer of the airport’s aviation fuelling depot and associated infrastructure. He also serves as a board member of Bahrain Duty Free Company (BDFC). Mohamed holds a position as Board Member on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Body (WGB), chairman of ACI WGB Audit Committee, Board member and Secretary/ Treasurer of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East. He is also a founding member of the Bahrain Green Building Council and currently serves as its chairman and holds a seat on SITA MEA Customer Advisory Board (CAB) for airports and Honeywell Airports Advisory Board. Mohamed holds a BSc. In Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Business Administration and is married with three children.

Mohammad Kushan is the FAA’s Senior Representative to the MENA, serving as the agency’s focal point in the region. He leads engagement with senior government, industry, and international stakeholders. He has previously held key roles at FAA headquarters and ICAO. Mr. Kushan began his FAA career as an oceanic air traffic controller and holds a bachelor’s in Political Science from UCLA and a master’s in International Science and Technology Policy from George Washington University. 

Romain Favennec’s role at SITA is dedicated to shaping the future of air mobility, including Advanced Air Mobility, focusing on developing solutions for new markets worldwide.

With experience in Telecom, Digital, and Travel, Romain started his career at Sky, driving digital transformation. His roles span Product Management, M&A, and Innovation. Trained as a Business Engineer, Romain is dedicated to shaping the future of air mobility.

Gary North is the Vice President for Customer Requirements, Aeronautics for Lockheed Martin Corporation. In this capacity, he serves as the company interface for customer requirements across the wide spectrum of all Aeronautics programs, ensuring Lockheed Martin meets strategic milestones while ensuring operational execution reflects company contractual commitments. In addition, Mr. North is responsible for ensuring Lockheed Martin fulfills United States and international F-35 customer requirements. He also ensures that requirements for F-35 industrial partners around the world are met. Prior  to joining Lockheed Martin in January 2013, Mr. North served for 36 years in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of General. He commanded U.S. Air Force units at every level from squadron to major command, and held numerous key operational, command and staff positions, including Commander, Pacific Air Forces; and executive director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, where he was responsible for all U.S. Air Force operations in the Pacific. This position also included serving as the Joint Force Air Component Commander for the U.S. Pacific Command. Mr. North also served as the Commander of U.S. Air Forces Central from 2006-2009 where he was responsible for all Air Force operations in the Middle East. He served as the Combined Forces Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and from 2004-2006 as the Director of Operations for U.S. Pacific Command. He is a command pilot with more than 4,700 flying hours, primarily in the F-16, F-15C and the
F4G. Mr. North is a graduate of the Air Force F-16 Fighter Weapons School and flew 83 combat missions in Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Mr. North graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Golden Gate University with master’s degrees in Public Administration and Human Resource Management, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University with a master’s degree in National Resource Strategy.

 As Director of Talent, Learning, Engagement & Diversity at IATA Jane has been pivotal in driving a refreshed approach to people and talent management to deliver tangible business results   As an HR leader, her mission is to inspire people to succeed, and she has a track record of doing just that at all levels. Whether designing programs for the attraction and retention of talent or managing learning initiatives that foster both leadership and technical growth, she is able to create a strategic vision across all elements of HR, inspire others to follow and successfully execute it in highly competitive and demanding environments.   In 2019, Jane established an ambitious target for Diversity & Inclusion for the aviation industry by setting a target for airlines to achieve 25% female representation at senior and under represented areas by 2025.  Over 130 airlines have joined the initiative, which is an important step for making the industry more inclusive.  

Mervat Sultan, FRAeS is a pioneering leader in aviation and the Director and Co-Founder of Ramjet Co and FltCtrl Ltd. With over 25 years of experience, she is one of the Middle East’s first female FAA/GCAA-certified flight dispatchers. As the founder and President of Women in Aviation Middle East, Mervat mentors women and champions industry diversity. A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, she remains committed to excellence and equity in aviation. 

Hannah Irfan Siddiqui is a certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion corporate strategist with over a decade of global experience spanning the Middle East, South Asia, APAC, and Western Europe. As the founder of Kaleidoscope DEI Consulting, she specializes in helping organizations in the MENA region navigate cultural transformation and turn corporate DEI challenges into opportunities for lasting change. Hannah’s approach is grounded in research, data, and real-world relevance.  

A published author on gender equity and a respected thought leader, Hannah is passionate about creating more humane workplaces and inspires audiences to see DEI not just as a buzzword, but as a catalyst for transformative change. 

Fahad ibne Masood, MRAeS, Squadron Leader (R), has 25 years of diverse aviation experience in applied aviation, aviation safety risk management and Advanced Air Mobility space. He has mentored over 2500 aviators globally and worked in military, commercial, and government sectors. Currently, he facilitates learning at MCBS, Muscat, Oman, and is pursuing a doctorate in aviation management. He holds various certifications and is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the International Society of Air Safety Investigators.

Pilot & CEO at Airman’s Ground | Disrupting the Traditional Aviation Training Market | The Award Winning DIGITAL Pilot Ground School, recognized by U.S State Department with 100% passing rate |Speaker |MC| Head of Training |Aviation Safety & Sustainability 

Rosanna Hoffmann is currently heading the “Space Law for New Space Actors“ project within the Committee, Policy and Legal Affairs Section of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. The project assist UN Member States with the drafting, revision and implementation of national space law and policy. Prior to joining UNOOSA, she was the Executive Officer of the European Centre for Space Law. She also worked as a Junior Legal Officer in the Public International Law Division of the European Space Agency, focusing on space law and policy related topics. Before joining ESA, Rosanna worked at the Section for International Law and International Relations within the Department of European, International and Comparative Law at the University of Vienna as an assistant lecturer. She has several years of work experience in the Austrian Federal Ministry of Justice, with prime focus of labour law within the penal system. Within the Ministry, she also served as Deputy Head of the Division for Interpreters and Experts.  

Ilgar Abdullayev is a space law advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Azercosmos, the Space Agency of Azerbaijan. He uses law to invite individuals to gain knowledge and engage in business within the space industry and ICT. He moved to Azercosmos in the end of 12-year work at the Azerbaijan Ministry of Communications. During his 14 years at Azercosmos, he played a key role in Azerspace-1 and Azerspace-2 telecommunications satellite programs, as well as Azersky remote sensing satellite program, overseeing their manufacture in USA, and Ariane launch, obtaining international export credit and insurance. He has participated in drafting the laws on “on Space activities” (2022), “on Telecommunications” (2005), the first National Space Program (2009), legislative acts on establishing Azercosmos (2010-2011). In recognition of his contributions to the national space industry and ICT, the President of Azerbaijan awarded Ilgar Abdullayev the “Progress” medal in 2014. 

Sheikha Hesa is a Senior Legal Researcher working in the National Space Science Agency since 2017. She holds a license in Law and Political Science from the University of Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi and a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Depaul Chicago. Hesa has attended many lectures and workshops on the subject of space law which has assisted her with her role in establishing a legal framework for the space sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Currently she is liaising with relevant government bodies in order to push into effect the National Space Law while working in tandem on the policies relevant to its application. She was also elected as Second Vice-Chair/Rapporteur to the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) for the 2025 session.  

Dr. Marlène M. Losier is a Legal Expert in International Law.  She advises on international and national space policies affected by maritime, terrestrial and beyond Earth considerations often resulting from the succession of states in the post-colonial context.  She is an expert in complex matters of sovereign immunity and jurisdiction, where they conflict, when they are evoked in areas beyond national jurisdiction and in relation to title and proprietary rights.   

Pieter van Beekhuizen has worked his whole professional life in the space domain,  and has occupied during this period a large variety of different staff / management responsibilities within ESA. Following his retirement from ESA he started a consultancy company (Bexperience) providing consultancy and support services . He is Board member of SSPF, a foundation set-up to financially support young professionals and/or students in the Dutch space sector. He has been appointed as chairman of the board of NVR , the Netherlands Space Society with 1200 members, and he is also a member of the Executive board of the Colombian Space Agency. Additionally, Pieter is Chair of the CLIODN committee (Committee for Liaison International Organisations and Developing Nations).

Furthermore he has served as moderator and as panel member in  high level space related events at multiple occasions.

Since September 2023, Mr. Driss El Hadani is Deputy Director / Senior Adviser at the Office for Outer Space Affairs. He provides expert advice, support research for the activities and programmes implemented by the Office in the fields of space science and education, and manages the Office’s activities related to the United Nations-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education
Driss brings to this position more than 30 years of experience in the field of remote sensing and space technology applications and development. Over his career, he has gained an expertise and knowledge of the space sector at national and international level and substantive experience in diplomacy by negotiating with international cooperation agencies and mechanisms, as well as serving as the first Vice-president of the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful uses of Outer Space from June 2000 to June 2004. He served as the Director of the Moroccan Royal Center for Remote Sensing from 1998 to 2023.
He holds a master’s degree in physical sciences / Applied Remote sensing from Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris, France; and an Engineering Degree from Mohammadia School of Engineering, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco and a Master degree in Business, Administration and Management from the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration, Morocco as well as a Bachelor ‘s degree in Law.

Roaya Bubshait is a passionate enthusiast of big data. Currently, she serves as the Head of Geospatial Analytics at the National Space Science Agency of Bahrain. In her pursuit of professional growth, she dedicated herself to obtaining a master’s degree with a specialization in Space Engineering, aiming to further refine her expertise in the field.

As the Head of Geospatial Analytics, Roaya leads a dynamic team dedicated to processing satellite images and analysing geospatial data. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic plans, they generate actionable business insights that optimize operations, identify new growth opportunities, and provide a deeper understanding of customer behaviour patterns. Their efforts contribute significantly to achieving the Kingdom’s economic vision for 2030 and fostering a sustainable space science sector.

Roaya has a proven track record of utilizing geospatial tools and techniques to produce highly valuable analytical studies. Through her expertise, she skill-fully analyses and evaluates earth observation data, effectively meeting the national requirements. Her ability to employ geospatial data contributes to the successful fulfilment of critical objectives and supports informed decision-making processes.

In her commitment to knowledge sharing and experience transfer, Roaya has been a representative of the Kingdom, participating in a number of international conferences. Her purpose is to showcase the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Bahrain in leveraging space science technologies to foster sustainable development. Through her engaging presentations and insightful discussions, she effectively highlighted the nation’s contributions and accomplishments in this field, inspiring collaboration and further advancement on a global scale.

John S. Latham is a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton and President of the International Symposium for Remote Sensing of the Environment (ISRSE). With 28 years at the UN FAO, he led programs in environmental monitoring, geospatial data, and sustainable development, including oversight of SDG indicators on hunger, climate action, and life on land. Latham’s expertise spans agroecology, nature-based solutions, and global land cover standards development. In my former role with UN FAO, as Head of Environmental Programs and Geospatial Data Infrastructure, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with GCC nations to build their capacities for monitoring and reporting on critical SDG indicators, especially for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). I look forward to further supporting these objectives by sharing insights on how Earth Observation (EO) can drive sustainable development and address environmental challenges across the region. 

A seasoned professional in the aviation industry, Dr. Jeffrey Goh, the CEO of Gulf Air Group Holding, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. Dr. Goh has a remarkable track record with a passion for driving growth and innovation. Dr. Goh is poised to lead towards new horizons. Having served as the CEO of Star Alliance since 2017, Dr. Goh has established himself as a respected figure in the global airline alliance. His tenure at Star Alliance spanned over a decade, during which he played various roles in shaping the organization’s success. Prior to his work at Star Alliance, he made significant contributions at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and held a prominent position at a prestigious law firm, Beaumont and Son, in London.  With a deep understanding of the complexities of the aviation industry, Dr. Goh is well-equipped to lead Gulf Air and Gulf Air Group Holding, a conglomerate that comprises the National Carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, as well as Bahrain Airport Company, BAC Jet Fuel Company, and Gulf Aviation Academy. Additionally, the group holds substantial shares in Bahrain Airport Services and Bahrain Duty Free, reinforcing its significant presence in the aviation market.