Indian-origin Aarti Holla-Maini appointed as director of UNOOSA

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Indian-origin satellite industry expert Aarti Holla-Maini has been appointed as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

An Overview of the News

• UNOOSA also focuses on the effective application of space science and technology to promote sustainable economic and social progress.

• The Vienna-based UNOOSA plays a key role in facilitating international cooperation for space-related activities. His appointment follows the tenure of Italy's Simonetta Di Pippo.

• The primary objective of UNOOSA is to promote global cooperation in the peaceful exploration and uses of outer space.

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):

• It promotes and facilitates peaceful international cooperation in outer space.

• UNOOSA aims to establish or strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for space activities.

• It helps developing countries to harness space science and technology for sustainable socio economic development.

• It was established in 1958 to aid and advise the Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

• COPUOS was created by the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the scientific and legal aspects of space exploration and uses.

• UNOOSA serves as an advisory body to the Standing Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

• UNOOSA has undergone structural changes and in 1993 it was transferred to the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria.