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Inmarsat honoured as sustainability champion

Inmarsat has been honoured for its work in using information and communications technology (ICT) and satellite communications to advance global sustainable development.

The company was voted a Champion in the international cooperation category of the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2018.

Under the UK Space Agency International Partnership Programme (IPP), Inmarsat is currently leading three projects that use satellite connectivity to benefit communities in developing and emerging economies.

Tackle challenges

In partnership with governments and regional organisations, the projects tackle challenges in healthcare, sustainable fishing, and disaster response.

James Cemmell, Vice President, Government Engagement at Inmarsat, said: “It is amazing that the ITU and WSIS have recognised this achievement – these are amongst the largest and ­most impactful social impact projects ever undertaken by the space sector.

L-R: ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao and Tolga Ors, UKSA IPP Project Manager, Inmarsat

“It has been a pleasure to work with such excellent partners in the Philippines, Indonesia and Nigeria. The UK Space Agency has been a powerful enabler and these projects wouldn’t be happening without their tireless support. The programme team and all of the many people involved have worked above and beyond the call of duty to save lives and contribute to building a more resilient planet in the most tangible way possible.”

ICT for development

The WSIS Forum, being held in Geneva, Switzerland from 19-23 March, represents the world’s largest annual gathering of the ‘ICT for development’ community and supports implementation of the 18 WSIS Action Lines – areas of activity in which governments, civil society groups, businesses and international organisations can work together to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Forum is co-organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN bodies.

Tolga Ors, Inmarsat Programme Director for the UK Space Agency IPP, gave a presentation to delegates on the three ongoing projects.

The annual WSIS Prizes recognise efforts that support each of the Action Lines. From 685 submitted projects and close to a million votes cast online, 90 projects were recognised as Champions, with 18 chosen as category winners.