View from the Sides: COPUOS STSC 2024 Session
The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) held its 61st Session from 29th January - 9th February, 2024.
Several issues were discussed including space for sustainable development, space for disaster management, space for global health, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Near Earth Objects (NEOs), nuclear power sources in space, space debris and space sustainability.
A number of African countries participated in the meeting such as Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan and Tunisia. The new leadership of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) also made public its strategic framework and plan, with 5 priorities, namely: space sustainability, climate action, SDGs, developing countries/Africa and non-governmental actors.
Join us as we reflect on the deliberations and outcome of the STSC meeting. Our guest is Ms. Alma Okpalefe (Executive Director, World Space Week Association).
Ms. Alma Okpalefe is an accomplished professional with a strong background in the legal, corporate and public sectors, particularly within the satellite industry. Commencing her legal career in the United Kingdom, in the area of Immigration and asylum while working for the then Legal Services Commission. She joined Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), embarking on a remarkable journey within the organisation and a love affair with space. Over the years, Alma has held various significant roles, progressively climbing the ranks and ultimately attaining the position of the Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, where she played a crucial role in managing Legal Services and International Cooperation, and worked on various communication satellite projects in Africa. Alma's academic journey is marked by excellence, with an LLB in Law from the University of Manchester and an LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law from King's College, University of London. She is duly qualified as a Barrister in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. In addition to her legal qualifications, Alma holds an MBA from Business School Netherlands.