Bahraini Woman Makes History with UN Space Role
Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa has made history by becoming the first Arab Muslim woman to be appointed as the Second Vice-Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Her appointment took place during the committee's 68th session in Vienna.
Sheikha Hessa represented the Bahrain Space Agency and delivered the Kingdom's speech during the session. Her new role is a major step forward for Arab women in science and leadership roles around the world.
In her speech, she shared Bahrain's recent achievements in space. These include launching the country's first satellite, 'Al Munther,' which was built locally to observe the Earth, and completing the second phase of the 'CO₂Sat' project to monitor carbon emissions with UK partners. She also highlighted Bahrain's cooperation with Oman to test artificial intelligence in space, and its involvement in the Arab satellite project '813' to study climate change. She also mentioned Bahrain's participation in three lunar missions.
After the session, Sheikha Hessa said her appointment reflects international trust in the role of Arab women in science and decision-making. She added that Bahrain's space agency is committed to peace, innovation, transparency, and sustainability in space, especially for the benefit of future generations.
She also confirmed Bahrain's support for UN projects like 'Space for Women' and 'Space for Water,' and its efforts to help developing countries access space technology. Bahrain is also working to reduce space debris and improve safety in space traffic.
Her appointment was supported by all member countries and marks an important achievement for Bahrain. It also follows the upgrade of the National Space Science Agency to the Bahrain Space Agency, giving it more strategic responsibilities.
COPUOS is the UN's main committee for space exploration and cooperation. Bahrain's role in its leadership is seen as a major success both scientifically and diplomatically.
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