The decision to organize the first CSC meeting outside COSPAS-SARSAT headquarters for the first time in the programme’s 45-year history is an incentive to enhance the search and Rescue capabilities and leadership role, in the region.
Over 45 States and organizations will be in Riyadh for the 10-day conference taking place between 15-24 October 2024, with delegates participating in meetings to discuss the management of the Cospas-Sarsat program, review all operational plans, and approve future activities for this critical safety initiative which began in 1979.
His Excellency the President of GACA, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej will deliver an opening speech during the opening session of the Council on the 21st of October which will highlight the Kingdom’s proud history of investment in the search and rescue capabilities and show the importance of strengthening regional and global partnerships to enhance international search and rescue preparedness.
The Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre (SAMCC), which opened in 2000 in Jeddah City, plays a critical role in providing distress alert services across the Kingdom and seven neighbouring States, with 30 search and rescue missions conducted in January 2022 , saving 147 lives.
The Kingdom’s hosting of the Council demonstrates its commitment to member States and partner organizations to continue providing critical support in regional and global aviation and maritime safety activities.
The event includes open and closed sessions of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, a treaty-based, intergovernmental cooperative of 45 nations and agencies that utilizes over 60 satellites for search and rescue operations worldwide.
