The UAE Space Agency has participated in the Global Conference on Space for Emerging Countries 2019 (GLEC 2019), held under the theme of ‘Bridging the space divide in emerging countries’. The conference was held between 24 - 26 April in Marrakesh, Morocco, and brought together global space leaders from agencies, governments, institutions of higher education and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the goal of supporting the space sector in emerging countries.
The conference was attended by key representatives from the UAE Space Agency, led by His Excellency Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and Chair of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2020 Local Organizing Committee. During the three-day conference, the Agency highlighted the benefits of space applications and the importance of educating and encouraging youth to study science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), as expertise in such fields directly contributes to the enhancement of space capabilities within emerging countries.
H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi participated in two panel discussions during the conference alongside a number of senior space leaders and decision-makers. The panelists extolled the importance of space programs and activities in contributing to sustainable development in emerging countries. H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi highlighted the UAE's role in motivating, educating, and training young professionals through launching ambitious space projects that inspire pride, creativity, and innovation, and provide a promising future for youth in the region. His Excellency also highlighted the UAE’s collaboration with various space entities from all over the world to exchange knowledge and develop human capacity.
H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi said: “The UAE Space Agency’s participation in the Global Conference on Space for Emerging Countries reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth of the global space sector and engaging with international partners to exchange knowledge and expertise. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to share our experience of developing a national space program with regional and international experts.”
“Recently, we announced the formation of the Arab Space Coordination Group, which aims to promote space research, share expertise, and develop opportunities for increased regional collaboration. We are keen to collaborate with African countries and work with them to unlock the socio-economic benefits of space,” added H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi.
“Space is an excellent vehicle with which to engage with youth across the region and the world to inspire them to study STEM subjects and consider entering the space sector. We continue to highlight opportunities for young people within the sector and look forward to welcoming the international community to Dubai in 2020 for the 71st International Astronautical Congress,” concluded H.E. Dr. Eng. Al Ahbabi.
During the conference, the delegation from the UAE Space Agency met with representatives of global space agencies and organizations to discuss opportunities for future cooperation and collaboration. The delegation met with Juan de Dalmau, President of the International Space University (ISU); Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Space Science Expert at the African Union; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zahran, President of Egypt's National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science; Driss El Hadani, Director of Morocco's Royal Centre for Remote Sensing (CRTS); Dr. Valanathan Munsami, Chief Executive Officer of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA); and Rashad Nabiyev, Executive Officer of Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency.
The UAE Space Agency was a gold sponsor of GLEC 2019, which was co-organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale (CRTS), and the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).