At the 4th International Space Forum

Parliamentary secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri attended the Ministerial meeting of the fourth International Space Forum in Reggio Calabria.

The aim of the forum is to encourage a global discussion on the need of promoting a greater involvement of universities and academia in space activities, support the establishment of a worldwide network of knowledge-sharing resources and capacities for the development of new space programmes and contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for the sustainable development.

The fourth International Space Forum themed Space Technology and applications meet Mediterranean needs, looked into the need for involvement of the academia and universities within the Mediterranean region in space programmes and activities, promote education and capacity building in space field. Discussions mainly focused on maritime surveillance, space and blue economy, space education, cooperation and scientific knowledge.

Schembri said that this is the first time that Malta is looking at exploring the commercialising aspect of space and how this could be a contribution to the diversification of the Maltese economy. “It is evident that space is generating a lot of interest among various countries. In view of this, earlier this year, Malta took a proactive stance by establishing the Malta Space Taskforce which is responsible for the drafting of the National Space Strategy,” said Schembri.

The forum saw the participation of representatives from 35 countries and seven Space international organisations.