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ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP):Pakistan is gearing up to welcome the global space community as it hosts the landmark International Conference on Applications of Space Science and Technology (ICAST–2025) from November 18–20 at the Institute of Space Technology (IST).
The prestigious three-day event aims to advance international dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in space science and technology.
Jointly organized by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the Institute of Space Technology (IST), the conference is being held in partnership with leading international organizations, including the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Science and Technology (ISNET), Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA).
ICAST–2025 is themed “Space for Sustainable Development”, highlighting the transformative role of space technologies in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, disaster resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
By promoting data-driven decision-making and international cooperation, the conference aims to demonstrate how space-based solutions can support long-term socio-economic development and contribute to the collective well-being of humanity.
More than 25 countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Oceania will participate, with over 70 international delegates representing nations including Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkiye, UAE, and the United States.
Over 2,000 participants are expected to attend, marking the event as a major hub for global scientific engagement.
The conference will feature a diverse and dynamic program, including ISNET’s Strategic Leadership Forum (SLS), three specialized seminars, three panel discussions, five plenary sessions, 12 masterclasses, and 23 technical sessions covering eight major thematic tracks: Aeronautics and Astronautics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Satellite Technology, Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT), Remote Sensing and GIS, Environmental Science and Climate Change, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and Space Law, Management and Outreach. A Technology Exhibition Forum, Scientific Poster Session, and a special Meet the Astronauts Forum featuring astronauts from Turkiye, Mongolia, and the United States will further enrich the participant experience.
A unique highlight will be the dedicated session on “Moon Sighting: Scientific, Religious and Technological Perspectives”, which will bring together global experts to discuss traditional and modern approaches to crescent observation.
In connection with GIS Day 2025, the conference will also emphasize geospatial technologies, Earth observation, climate analytics, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring and decision-making.
Adding significant diplomatic weight, ICAST–2025 will host the 14th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of ISNET, alongside the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with space agencies and international organizations from the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Tunisia, and others, aimed at deepening collaboration in peaceful space applications.
ICAST–2025 underscores Pakistan’s ambition to play a forward-looking role in the global space ecosystem.
By fostering scientific exchange and strengthening international partnerships, the conference represents a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a regional leader in space science, research, and innovation. It stands as an event of national pride, international visibility, and meaningful scientific impact.