Operators Satellite

Yahsat hosts forum in Amman to discuss connectivity for humanitarian emergencies

The forum discussed the role of satellite connectivity in facilitating sustainable development projects in Jordan and neighbouring regions.
Najat Abdulrahman, Executive VP of Global Strategic Business Development, Yahsat.

UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat hosted a forum recently in Amman, Jordan titled ‘Enabling through Connectivity’ along with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the UAE Embassy in the Hashemite Kingdom. The forum discussed initiatives to support humanitarian emergency response and sustainable development projects, with the primary focus being to bring reliable broadband connectivity to facilitate the provision of basic services such as healthcare and education in Jordan and its neighbouring regions.

Participants at the forum comprised representatives from both the public and private sectors including international humanitarian bodies such as UNRWA, UNICEF, WFP, and UNOPS along with Jordanian NGOs such as the Jordan River Foundation, RHAS, Johud, and Hayat Education Fund. Discussions were aimed at identifying new opportunities for collaboration, and to strengthen existing frameworks.

The goal of the ‘Enabling through Connectivity’ forum is to encourage industry players to create opportunities for greater digital inclusion by providing reliable broadband connectivity, and to bring innovative solutions to enhance humanitarian emergency response services.

Highlighting Yahsat’s capabilities and solutions for the humanitarian sector, Najat Abdulrahman, Executive Vice President of Global Strategic Business Development at Yahsat, added” “Fast, reliable and accessible connectivity is essential for governments and enterprises for ensuring the successful implementation of socio-economic development projects. Yahsat is committed to the provision of customisable end-to-end sustainable solutions in addition to reliable and economical connectivity that are designed to facilitate rapid deployment of mission-critical applications particularly when it comes to humanitarian emergency response in this region.”

Abdulrahman also discussed the impact of sustainable development projects in Asia and Africa, where through collaborations between Yahsat, its local service partners and government agencies, e-learning, e-health, and community internet access have become a reality. These include providing connectivity to remote libraries in South Africa, e-learning to Maasai community schools in Kenya and adult learning opportunities through the Karakoram Area Development Organisation in northern Pakistan.

She added that Yahsat was exploring new opportunities in Jordan through its local partner, Skygate.

“We are looking at extending our solutions to enhance education and healthcare services in the Kingdom, particularly in under-served and rural areas, through partnerships with international organisations and NGOs. We are confident we can improve and increase internet access throughout the region to the benefit of its diverse stakeholders.”