The 3rd International Conference on Space 2022, co-organized by the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Islamic World Organization for Science, Education and Culture (ICESCO), Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), kicked off on Monday, March 28, 2022, in Islamabad, Pakistan, under the theme “Role of Space Technology and Applications in Socio-economic Development.”

The opening session of the Conference witnessed the participation of high-level officials and experts in the field of space sciences, who will share, over three days, knowledge and experiences, and explore the latest developments and state-of-the-art space innovations.

In his prerecorded speech, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), called for capitalizing on the applications and mechanisms of space science and technology to enhance the capacities of youth and women in Muslim countries in the areas of innovation and modern technology to achieve socio-economic development, rationalize the use of natural resources, promote peace values and address the challenges facing humanity.

ICESCO DG also stressed that the Organization, in its new vision and action strategy, strongly encourages its Member States to invest in the field of space sciences and its applications.

In his intervention, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, highlighted the Organization’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of integrating space sciences into Muslim countries’ development policies and disseminate knowledge on space technologies and prospects.