The United Arab Emirates led the proceedings of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, held virtually on 22 and 23 June 2026, during the country's presidency of the Charter as represented by the UAE Space Agency, which runs from April to October 2026.
The UAE Space Agency is leading the meeting's work in coordination with national partner entities, with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority supporting coordination efforts related to disaster management.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is providing the necessary satellite imagery and space data, while Space42 contributes to the analysis of space data and imagery to support disaster response missions.
Engineer Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: "The UAE's leadership of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters meetings affirms its firm commitment to strengthening international cooperation in harnessing space technologies in the service of humanity and supporting communities affected by disasters and crises."
He added that "the country's presidency of the Charter represents an important milestone that reflects the advanced position the UAE has attained in the space sector, and the international community's confidence in its role as an effective partner in developing innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing countries' readiness and response to disasters and emergencies."
Salem Hamid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said: "Space technologies have today become among the vital tools that enable countries to enhance their readiness in facing crises and disasters, and their importance becomes even greater when Earth observation satellite capabilities are integrated with geospatial analytics and emergency management expertise, giving decision-makers a more comprehensive understanding of rapidly evolving variables and helping them make more precise decisions in a timely manner.
"The UAE's hosting of these meetings also embodies the advanced position reached by the national space sector, and the growing role the region plays in supporting international efforts to enhance disaster management and humanitarian response."
Ali Rashid Al Neyadi, Director General of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, said: "Space technologies and data today contribute to enhancing the speed and efficiency of crisis and disaster response, supporting the protection of lives and property and raising the readiness of relevant authorities."