The 67th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) kicked off in Vienna on Wednesday 19 June. COPUOS is the United Nations forum that meets once a year to discuss the most topical issues, with a particular focus on an equitable, responsible and sustainable use of outer space.
Leading the Italian delegation, Italian Space Agency (ASI) President Prof. Teodoro Valente confirmed the Italian commitment to fostering a responsible use of outer space and Italy’s strong interest in space exploration activities and in the development of new technologies. “Italy is actively engaged as a “Space Ambassador” ”, declared Valente, highlighting the network of bilateral and multilateral collaborations promoted by ASI, especially with emerging and developing Countries.
The Permanent Representative of Italy to the International Organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Debora Lepre, also took the floor at the beginning of the session underlining the importance of international cooperation in the space field. She also recalled the focus assured by the Italian G7 Presidency on COPUOS as well as on the development of standards for space sustainability. In this regard she also mentioned the organization of the first Italian-African meeting of heads of the space agencies, in July.
The Italian delegation has actively engaged to the debate, which will continue until 28 June, addressing highly topical matters, such as the contribution of space technologies to climate change management, the latest space exploration activities and the preservation of outer space for peaceful uses. ASI is also promoting two technical presentations on Italy’s contibution to Moon exploration and on the benefits of space applications in the management of water resources.
To further highlight the Italian role at COPUOS, the exhibition “THE ITALIAN SPACEWAY” was organized: interactive panels illustrate the contribution of Italian research and of the “Made in Italy” to the development of space technologies. The exhibition, created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the organizing Committee of IAC 2024 Milan and Focus magazine, is divided in thematic sessions and centres around the sustainability and the importance of space technologies in the management of the planet’s resources.
In collaboration with ASI and the International Austronautical Federation, the Permanent Mission of Italy also organized a side event entitled “Towards ICA 2024, Milan”. The event, opened by President Valente, provided the occasion to present to a large and distinguished audience, including several heads of delegations accredited to COPUOS, the 75th International Astronautical Congress (the main international appointment on space) that this year will take place in Milan in October. Ambassador Debora Lepre and the highest levels of UNOOSA, with Director Aarti Holla-Maini, and the International Austronautical Federation, with Executive Director Christian Feichtinger, also intervened in the event, underlining Italy’s role in promoting the peaceful and sustainable use of space.
The side even was enriched by a concert paying tribute to composer Giacomo Puccini, in the 100th anniversary of his death, thus celebrating not only the Italian contribution in the space sector but also the excellence of the musical tradition of our Country.
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