The Maldives has become a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), marking a new step in the country’s engagement with international scientific and technological cooperation.
COPUOS, established in 1959, is the primary UN body responsible for promoting global collaboration in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. The Committee works to ensure that advances in space science and technology benefit all nations, particularly in supporting sustainable development and addressing shared global challenges.
For the Maldives, membership opens new avenues to harness space-based data for national priorities such as climate monitoring, maritime safety, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness. As one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the Maldives stands to gain from access to satellite technology and international expertise that can enhance climate resilience and early warning systems.
Through its participation, the Maldives will also have the opportunity to contribute to the governance of outer space, ensuring that the use of space remains peaceful, inclusive, and beneficial to all.
In addition to the Maldives, Honduras, Zimbabwe, Malta, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire also joined COPUOS this year, reflecting a growing diversity of voices in shaping the future of space cooperation.
