The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with North South University (NSU), successfully convened the 1st International Symposium on Digital Trust & Security in Space and Academic Ecosystems, bringing together distinguished global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address critical challenges at the intersection of cybersecurity, space technologies, and academic research.
The Symposium recorded strong global participation, with several hundred attendees joining virtually from across multiple regions, and over 100 participants attending in person at North South University, Bangladesh. The event was also broadcast globally via social media platforms, further extending its reach and impact.
The opening remarks of H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, were delivered on his behalf by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor for Science and Environment at ICESCO, who emphasized the Organization’s commitment to advancing inclusive, secure, and trusted digital ecosystems, and highlighted the importance of aligning technological innovation with ethical governance and international cooperation.
The Symposium also featured a special guest address delivered via a pre-recorded message by H.E. Muhammad Yusuf Khan, Chairman of the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), who underscored the strategic importance of secure digital infrastructures in the evolving space domain.
Opening remarks were further delivered by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University and Chairman of Grameen Bank, who welcomed participants and emphasized the critical role of academia in advancing cybersecurity awareness, innovation, and global partnerships.
The high-level gathering included distinguished contributions from:
- Professor Kai-Uwe Schrogl, former Chair of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS)
- Professor David Thomas, Executive Director, Milo Space Science Institute, USA
- Ms. Shelli Brunswick, Founder & CEO of SB Global LLC and former COO of the Space Foundation
- Professor Paul Theron, cybersecurity expert at Thales
- Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Al-Mulla, Director, Remote Sensing and GIS Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University
- Dr. Shamim H. Ripon, Professor, East West University
- Mr. Ammar Jaffri, CEO, SDGs Academy Pakistan and former Additional Director General of FIA
- Professor Nasar U. Ahamad, Pro Vice-Chancellor, North South University
- Dr Muhammad Asim Siddique, GM Digital Media SAMA TV
The Symposium featured several thematic sessions, which were expertly moderated by Dr. Adil Smeda, Supervisor of Science and Environment Sector, ICESCO; Dr. Issam Krimi; and Dr. Fahman Fathlurahman, experts from the Science and Environment Sector, ensuring dynamic and insightful exchanges among participants.
Discussions throughout the Symposium underscored the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance trust in digital systems, and build resilient infrastructures, particularly in the rapidly advancing domains of space technologies and academic research ecosystems.
Participants emphasized the importance of capacity building, international cooperation, and policy harmonization, alongside the responsible adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and secure data systems, to ensure that innovation remains safe, inclusive, and sustainable.
The Symposium reaffirmed ICESCO’s strategic commitment to science diplomacy, digital transformation, and knowledge sharing, while fostering partnerships that bridge governments, academia, and industry.
Concluding the event, participants called for collective global action to ensure that digital and space ecosystems are secure, trustworthy, and accessible for all, contributing to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
