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Abu Dhabi Space Debate kicks off today

The debate will highlight the new geopolitics of space, by strengthening international law to benefit from the sector and how to control and prevent an Arms Race in Outer Space.

The Abu Dhabi Space Debate will kick off in Abu Dhabi on December 5 and 6, 2022.

The event, to be held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will witness the attendance of 300 decision-makers and representatives from 47 international space institutions and agencies.

This two-day event will debate the space industry’s most pressing challenges and drive the new space economy while gathering industry and government from the highest levels.

The first edition, organised by the UAE Space Agency, with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Defence, will see a high-ranking presence of the leaders of countries active in the space field, led by Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel.

The event features a plenary agenda, bilateral priority meetings, ministerial dialogues and report breakout sessions.

The UAE’s hosting of the event reflects the great confidence that the world places in the capabilities of national cadres, and mirrors the contributions that national projects add to the space sector to serve humanity and benefit the global scientific community.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of UAE Space Agency, and Chairwoman of the Higher Committee of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, said that the high-level international presence of leaders from the countries active in the field of space adds special value to the international event, which aims to draw new global strategies for space exploration.

She added: “The rich topics that will be handled during the event reflect the vital role played by the UAE in formulating an international consensus to accelerate cooperation among various actors in the space sector due to the unprecedented challenges facing the world, which reflect the world’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to lead a targeted dialogue that achieving sustainable development and building a better future for future generations.”

She also indicated that the event is a significant opportunity to develop partnerships in the space sector, enhance global cooperation in all areas related to space, and promote sustainable development, to come up with a unified vision that supports space programmes.

The Abu Dhabi Space Debate is a unique platform for global space leadership. The conference will form an important new global forum for the space industry, nations, business leaders and policymakers to come together and forge real consensus and address the issues facing growth and innovation in space.