The Science and Environment Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the international forum “Space Days Kazakhstan 2026,” organized by Kazakhstan’s space agency and hosted by Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 7 and 8 September 2026. The event was attended by high-level officials, led by Mr. Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In his remarks during the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Science and Environment Sector, highlighted the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence technologies, Earth observation, small satellites and lunar exploration to accelerate the pace of sustainable development. He emphasized the need to narrow the gaps between countries of the Islamic world and other countries around the world in the areas of capacity building and ensuring equal opportunities.

The event program featured high-level sessions and technical workshops on satellite technologies, artificial intelligence, Earth observation, space sciences and the importance of international cooperation. The second day of the event also included a session titled “International Space Sciences: The Space Science Community, Capacity Building and International Cooperation,” moderated by Dr. Sharif. During the session, participating experts and specialists discussed ways and mechanisms for developing programs and projects in the fields of space science and technology and professional capacity building.

On the sidelines of the event, the ICESCO representative held a meeting with officials from Ghalam and Freedom to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation on the launch of the ICESCO satellite.