The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 12th edition of the European Rover Challenge 2026, in Krakow, Republic of Poland, from 4 to 6 September 2026. The event brought together 124 teams of space science experts representing 29 countries, with the aim of promoting innovation in space robotics, exploration, and emerging technologies.

ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor to the Science and Environment Sector, who took part in a panel discussion entitled “Space for Society: Capacity Building, Applications and the Global Community.” During the session, he highlighted the Organization’s efforts to build capacities in space sciences and their applications through the educational CanSat satellite design training workshop organized in three ICESCO Member States.

He also drew attention to the existing disparities in access to space science and related technologies, stressing that despite the rapid progress being made in artificial intelligence and small satellite technologies, a significant capacity gap continues to separate countries and institutions.

In concluding his remarks, ICESCO representative emphasized the need to move beyond traditional training programs toward empowering young people to design, test, launch, and use space technologies. He also called for strengthening international partnerships to ensure the participation of scientists and engineers from developing and emerging countries in space projects, teams, and missions.