Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has announced a partnership with the Italian Space Agency and the International Astronautical Federation to host the sixth edition of the International Space Forum.
This prestigious event, which will be held at the ministerial level, marks the first time the forum will take place in the Middle East and North Africa region, specifically under the theme “Space as a Catalyst for Diplomacy and Economic Development in the Region.”
Scheduled for July 2-3, the conference aims to gather leaders in space science from the region and across the globe.
The event seeks to shape the future of space exploration and development at both regional and international levels, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Mohamed Al Aseeri, CEO of NSSA, highlighted the significance of hosting this forum, noting its role in positioning Bahrain as a regional and international hub for space science and technology events.
“This conference aligns with our 2024-2028 strategic plan, which reflects our national space policy. Our goal is to elevate Bahrain to the ranks of leading nations in the space sector,” Al Aseeri stated.
The forum will address the remarkable advancements in the Gulf region’s space sector and the broader Arab world.
It will focus on three main topics: Earth observation, space exploration, and space policy and visions.
Expert speakers will discuss the importance of modern technologies in developing smart, efficient, and high-quality services to benefit society and support decision-makers. The forum will also highlight best practices in formulating space policies to bolster diplomacy and economic growth.
High-level officials, including ministers and representatives from governmental space agencies, as well as academia from around the world, are expected to attend.
They will share insights on the conference’s key themes from their countries’ perspectives and discuss developments in the Gulf and Arab regions.
The forum will conclude with the “Manama Declaration,” to be endorsed by the International Astronautical Federation.
This declaration will compile the views and recommendations of participating countries and will be added to the series of previous forum statements, including the Trento Space Statement (2016), Nairobi Page (ISF 2017), Buenos Aires Page (ISF 2018), Reggio Calabria Page (ISF 2019), and Panama City Page (ISF 2023).
The NSSA joined the International Astronautical Federation, the world’s largest space sector organization, in 2021 and has maintained a close relationship with the Italian Space Agency since 2019.
