Abu dhabi: The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, spearheaded the meetings of the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters, held virtually on June 22nd and 23rd, 2026. This leadership role is part of the UAE's tenure at the helm of the Charter from April to October 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE Space Agency coordinated with national partner entities, showcasing the nation's space and emergency response capabilities to bolster effective disaster management. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) facilitated coordination, while the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) provided essential satellite imagery and space-based data to enhance situational awareness. Space42 contributed advanced geospatial analysis and insights, supporting timely decision-making and fortifying disaster response and recovery operations.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, stated that leading the meetings reaffirms the UAE's dedication to international cooperation in utilizing space technologies for humanitarian aid and crisis management. He emphasized the significance of the UAE's role in fostering innovative solutions to enhance global preparedness and response to emergencies.
Salem Al Marri highlighted the crucial role space technologies play in understanding and managing major crises. The UAE's hosting of these meetings underscores the nation's growing capabilities in the space sector and its contribution to global disaster management efforts.
Ali Rashid Al Neyadi, Director-General of NCEMA, noted that space technologies enhance the efficiency of crisis response, protecting lives and property, and improving the readiness of relevant entities. The UAE's leadership in these meetings signifies the importance of integrating national and international efforts to develop proactive systems for emergency management.
The UAE is the first Arab and Middle Eastern country to lead the International Charter, reflecting global confidence in its advanced space sector and its role in supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide. During June 2026, the Charter team supported initiatives such as monitoring wildfires in Kazakhstan, assessing landslides in Kyrgyzstan, and observing the impacts of the Mayon Volcano eruption in the Philippines.
The Charter's efforts highlight the strength of collaboration among its members, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in leveraging satellite technologies for disaster response. Established to harness space technologies for disaster management, the Charter includes 17 countries and provides satellite data rapidly and free of charge to support response operations globally.
Since its inception, the Charter has executed over 1,168 activation missions, aiding 146 countries through a network of more than 270 satellites. The meetings focused on strategic and technical topics to improve international disaster response mechanisms and foster global cooperation in disaster preparedness.
This leadership reflects the UAE's commitment to global cooperation in employing space technologies to support disaster and humanitarian crisis response worldwide.