Latest news with #COPUOS
Daily Tribune
18 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Tribune
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.
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Science
- Morocco World
Morocco Promotes Inclusive Space Development at UN Committee
At the 68th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna, Morocco called for deeper international and regional cooperation to ensure space technologies benefit all nations, especially developing countries. Addressing delegates, Morocco's ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, stressed that collective action is the most effective way to harness the full potential of outer space. He argued that cooperation in space science, technology transfer , and capacity building is essential for bridging global gaps and advancing peaceful space use. Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening multilateral frameworks and voiced strong support for the upcoming UNISPACE IV conference, which it sees as a timely platform to address emerging challenges in the global space landscape. Farhane also pointed to Morocco's active role in regional cooperation, particularly through the African Space Agency and the African Space Council. He emphasized that partnerships across the continent are central to Morocco's national strategy, with numerous bilateral and international agreements already in place to support African nations in building space expertise. A key part of this effort is the African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in French (CRASTE-LF), based in Rabat. Since 2000, the center has trained specialists from across Francophone Africa; in 2024 alone, it enrolled 89 students from 10 countries in its master's programs in space science and technology. Looking ahead, Morocco plans to expand its educational and training efforts by offering short courses and workshops on space law and policy through CRASTE-LF. It also aims to foster cross-continental partnerships through events like the June 27 side event, co-hosted with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), titled Celebrating African Space Development: Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Global Space Sector. Morocco's ambassador further emphasized the strategic importance of its national satellite program, including the Mohammed VI A and B satellites, launched in 2017, 2018. These advanced Earth observation satellites orbit the planet at around 700 kilometers above ground and capture high-resolution images that support everything from climate monitoring and agricultural planning to urban development, border surveillance, and disaster risk management. Their data is already being used by Moroccan ministries and public agencies to make more informed decisions—whether mapping water resources, tracking land use, or responding to natural hazards. The ambassador stressed that these satellites are not just technological achievements, but powerful tools that serve both public and private interests and drive sustainable growth at home and across the African continent.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Takes Part in 64th COPUOS Legal Subcommittee Session in Vienna
Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), participated in the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), held in Vienna, Austria, from May 5 to 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The session aimed to address legal issues related to space activities, including the legal aspects of the use of outer space and the challenges arising from commercial activities and space debris. The session witnessed discussions and a general exchange of views on several topics related to the peaceful use of outer space, a review of the status and application of the five United Nations treaties related to outer space, and the definition and delimitation of outer space, in addition to various other topics. COPUOS was established by the UN General Assembly more than 65 years ago and is headquartered in Vienna. The committee began with 24 member states and has since expanded to 102, making it one of the larger UN committees. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) serves as the committee's secretariat.
