UAE hits target for space programme

Dubai Declaration hails achievement of the ‘four pillars’

ABU DHABI // The UAE has delivered four pillars of its 2030 global space agenda, a forum hosted by the country’s space agency and the United Nations heard yesterday.

The Dubai Declaration under- lines the role of space exploration as a driver of innovation and cooperation and sends a message that roles of women and young people in the space industry must be strengthened.

“This declaration and what we have learned at this forum have provided us with an understanding of how we should move forward in utilising space for development, on the need to get open access to space for an increasing number of countries and in assisting states to attain the sustainable development goals,” said Simonetta Di Pippo, director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The Space As A Driver for Socio-Economic Sustainable Development event, co-hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, delivered recommendations that will contribute to the UN event Unispace +50, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, in June 2018.

The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the first UN Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

“The hosting of the forum in Dubai reflects the UAE’s standing within the global space community as one of the states to enjoy an advanced and ambitious space programme,” said Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency.

“It comes as part of the agency’s strategic goals of building and strengthening international relationships and partnerships in the field.”