Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for increased investments in space sciences and their applications to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in this crucial field. He highlighted the role of space sciences in strengthening capacities to combat the negative effects of climate change and stressed the need to establish international partnerships for capacity building and knowledge exchange. He further emphasized ICESCO’s openness to collaboration with relevant entities to enhance the capabilities of its Member States in the field of space.

Dr. AlMalik’s remarks came today, Saturday, 16 November 2024, during the Summit of Space Agency Leaders, organized by the COP29 Presidency in partnership with the Space Agency (Azercosmos) in Baku. The Summit gathered high-level representatives from national space agencies worldwide to discuss the role of space research and sciences in protecting the Earth and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to advancing innovation, scientific cooperation, and sustainable development in the Islamic world, noting that ICESCO is integrating space sciences into its environmental protection and sustainability initiatives.
Furthermore, he underlined some of ICESCO’s major programs in space sciences, including the “Awareness on the space science and technology ecosystem” Program, one of the Organization’s most impactful initiatives, which aims to prepare young scientists and innovators to harness space technologies to tackle present-day challenges.

The ICESCO Director General also praised the launch of the “Water Security and Biodiversity Challenge Center” initiative during the Summit. This Center aims to unite government agencies, international organizations, and academic circles in the environmental field to collectively pursue innovative and effective solutions.