The Maldives has officially joined the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the UN’s main body responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

By becoming a member, the Maldives will be able to participate in shaping global policies on space governance and advocate for the use of space science and technology to support sustainable development, innovation, and climate resilience.

The membership will also allow the Maldives to utilise space-based data to strengthen national efforts in areas such as climate monitoring, maritime safety, environmental management, and disaster preparedness.

In addition to the Maldives, Honduras, Zimbabwe, Malta, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire were also elected as new members of COPUOS.