Morocco advocates for inclusive space development at UN forum

Thursday 26 June 2025 - 16:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco advocates for inclusive space development at UN forum

Morocco has called for enhanced international collaboration to ensure space technologies benefit all nations, particularly developing countries, during the 68th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna. The country emphasized the need for collective global efforts in advancing peaceful space exploration and leveraging its opportunities for sustainable development.

Morocco’s vision for global collaboration

Addressing the session, Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco’s ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna, underscored the importance of cooperation in space science, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives. He highlighted the need for multilateral frameworks to bridge global disparities and ensure equitable access to space technology, particularly for developing nations.

Farhane stressed Morocco's commitment to strengthening partnerships and expressed strong support for the upcoming UNISPACE IV conference, which will serve as a platform to address emerging challenges in the global space sector.

Championing African space development

Morocco has taken a leading role in fostering regional cooperation through African institutions like the African Space Agency and the African Space Council. These partnerships align with the country’s national strategy to strengthen Africa’s capabilities in space science and technology.

A prominent example of Morocco's regional contributions is the African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in French (CRASTE-LF), based in Rabat. Since its inception in 2000, the center has trained experts from across Francophone Africa. In 2024 alone, it enrolled 89 students from 10 African countries in advanced programs on space science and technology.

Looking ahead, Morocco plans to expand its educational initiatives by offering workshops and short courses on space law and policy through CRASTE-LF. The country also aims to foster cross-continental partnerships, exemplified by its upcoming side event on June 27, co-hosted with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) under the theme "Celebrating African Space Development: Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Global Space Sector."

The Mohammed VI satellite program: A strategic asset

The ambassador highlighted Morocco’s advanced satellite program, including the Mohammed VI A and B satellites launched in 2017 and 2018, respectively. These Earth observation satellites orbit at approximately 700 kilometers above the Earth, capturing high-resolution images that serve a wide range of applications, including climate monitoring, agricultural planning, urban development, disaster risk management, and border surveillance.

Data generated by these satellites supports Moroccan ministries and public agencies in making informed decisions, from tracking land use and mapping water resources to managing natural hazards. Farhane emphasized that these satellites are not only technical milestones but also strategic tools for sustainable growth across Africa.

By leading initiatives that promote inclusivity and innovation in space development, Morocco aims to position itself as a key player in shaping a sustainable and cooperative global space sector.