Agreement boosts cooperation between UN space affairs office and UAE

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Agency have solidified their commitment to peaceful space exploration through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement, effective as of Wednesday, lays the groundwork for enhanced collaboration in capacity-building, joint research, and regional cooperation in the field of space affairs.

Both organizations share a vision of harnessing space technology for the benefit of humanity. The MOU outlines a five-year partnership that will focus on developing capacity-building frameworks to address the technical and legal aspects of peaceful space exploration. Additionally, joint research projects will explore the economic and social benefits of space technology, fostering innovation and sustainable development.

The UAE and UNOOSA recognize the importance of regional cooperation in advancing space exploration and have committed to promoting collaboration among countries in the Middle East. This partnership will also prioritize STEM education, particularly for women and girls, to inspire future generations of space scientists and engineers.

A significant milestone in this collaboration is the support for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first UN conference on space (UNISPACE+50). This event will provide a platform for countries to discuss the progress made in space exploration and set the course for future endeavors.

The MOU was signed during the High-Level Forum on Space as a Driver for Socio-Economic Sustainable Development, a joint initiative of UNOOSA and the UAE Space Agency. Representatives from approximately 50 countries attended the forum, underscoring the global interest in space exploration and its potential to contribute to sustainable development.

An interesting development at the forum was Thailand's proposal to host a regional office for UNOOSA. This move would further strengthen UNOOSA's presence in the region and facilitate collaboration among countries in Southeast Asia.

The partnership between UNOOSA and the UAE Space Agency marks a significant step forward in the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space. By working together, these organizations can contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and international cooperation.



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