During the meeting, Niklas Hedman was informed about the activities of the Uzbekcosmos Agency established by the decree of the Head of our State, which is responsible for the development strategy of the space industry in the country. The favorable conditions available in the republic for broad international cooperation, as well as training in the space industry, are listed.
The Head of the UNHCR welcomed the establishment of the Space Research and Technology Agency in Uzbekistan. He noted that the department closely monitors the activities of the agency and stressed its active activity, especially recently.
In his opinion, the international conference on "Space technologies and their role in socio-economic development" held in Tashkent in May can serve as evidence of such activity. He noted the comprehensive program of the conference, the rich topics of the reports presented, as well as a solid number of invited experts.
The head of the UNHCR expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with organizations of Uzbekistan. In this connection, he supported the intention of the Republic to become a full member of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), participation in the work of which provides a unique opportunity at the global level to monitor and discuss events and processes related to outer space.
Niklas Hedman informed that Uzbekistan's application was accepted and positively reviewed at the meeting of the subcommittees. It is planned to announce the decision of the committee on Uzbekistan's membership at the plenary session of the next session of the Committee, which will begin its work in early June. In the autumn of this year, the Committee's statement on Uzbekistan's full membership will be announced at the next session of the UN General Assembly, the Dunyo news agency reports.
It should be noted that COPUOS is a special UN committee whose main tasks are to review international cooperation and study measures to implement programs for the peaceful use of outer space, as well as to study legal problems arising in the exploration of outer space. Currently, 95 States are members of COPUOS. In addition, 41 international organizations have observer status of the Committee and its subcommittees.
The UNHCR, which is based in Vienna, implements a Program on the use of Space technology and maintains a register of objects launched into outer space. The Office performs the function of the COPUOS secretariat.
