Riyadh, December 07, 2023, In a significant development, Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Space Agency, has formally become a participant in the Space Climate Observatory Charter, spearheaded by France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), as outlined in an official statement from the Saudi Space Agency.
This global initiative serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors engaged in Earth observation. The primary objective is to create a conducive environment for collective action in combating climate change. The initiative facilitates the exchange of crucial data and insights through the application of space technologies, with a shared commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
The Charter, as detailed in the press release, is geared towards harnessing the capabilities of space technologies in studying, monitoring, and adapting to climate change effects at various levels—local, regional, and international. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of sharing expertise and knowledge to optimize the use of space technologies, aligning with climate goals.
The formal joining of the Charter was marked by the signing ceremony, with Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al Tamimi, the CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, and Lionel Suchet, Chief Operating Officer of the French National Centre for Space Studies, endorsing the initiative. Al Tamimi underscored the Kingdom's dedication to addressing climate change and its impact on Earth's ecosystems, highlighting ongoing green and sustainable energy initiatives.
The CEO reiterated the pivotal role the Saudi Space Agency plays within the Space Climate Observatory Charter, which now boasts 27 participating nations. This collaborative effort is poised to deliver impactful solutions to global climate challenges. Al Tamimi affirmed the agency's commitment to leveraging its technological and human resources to champion sustainability, benefit humanity, and elevate the overall quality of life on our planet.
This development follows Saudi Arabia's previous commitment, evidenced by its endorsement of the joint international statement on space-based climate monitoring in October of the preceding year. The Saudi Space Agency continues to actively seek partnerships with both regional and global entities, aiming to enhance integration and cooperation in the utilization of space services. These partnerships, focused on addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges, align with the overarching goal of promoting sustainability and well-being.