United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

For information only - not an official document

UNIS/OS/524
20 November 2019

PRESS RELEASE

UNOOSA signs MoU with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
to promote the peaceful exploration and use of outer space

VIENNA, 20 November (United Nations Information Service) - The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), a government organization working on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) space programme, to deepen their collaboration on promoting the peaceful uses of outer space and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

UNOOSA and the MBRSC share the belief that space science and technology and their applications provide indispensable tools for viable long-term solutions for development and can accelerate the sustainable development of all countries.

UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo said: "The UAE is a prime example of how to shape a national space programme around the economic, technological and social development the space sector can provide. Through a strong focus on academic investment and innovation, the UAE has rapidly built their capabilities in space, making great strides in space exploration in recent years. Given this experience, the MBRSC is an important partner for UNOOSA to help other countries build their capacity in space activities and leverage space for sustainable development. This MoU will further this collaboration, for the benefit of all Member States of the United Nations."

The Director General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, said: "The MoU supports MBRSC's commitment to keep pace with the latest developments in space technologies and its peaceful uses, to achieve sustainable development and improve life on earth."

AlShaibani stressed that MBRSC's cooperation with UNOOSA in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space and space technologies contributes to promoting and developing space technologies in the UAE. "The MoU offers an opportunity for economic, social and scientific development in this vital sector," added AlShaibani.

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For further information, please contact:
Ottavia Pesce
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
Telephone: (+43-699) 1459 8718
Email: pesce[at]un.org