The Emirates Space Agency launches an innovative scientific challenge to meet the challenges of climate and food security

The UAE Space Agency has launched a new challenge that provides funding of up to 4 million dirhams to benefit from Earth observation satellite data in order to find solutions to the challenges of food security and climate change, which address climate change and food security.

This challenge invites scientists, businessmen, academics and innovators who seek to overcome some of the greatest challenges facing humanity, to participate and stimulate the knowledge-based economy in the UAE.

The challenge was announced under the umbrella of the UAE Space Agency's Space Solutions Program, during Expo 2020 Dubai, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The challenge aims to find technically feasible, scalable and innovative ideas, using data collected from outer space to create services that support agricultural or environmental practices.

This can be achieved by using data to map and monitor greenhouse gas emissions or analyze soil moisture levels to increase yield.

Two projects will be selected from the challenge, and each will receive up to two million dirhams in funding, technical support and assistance from senior experts, as well as support to secure business partnerships and customer outreach.

In addition to developing advanced applications, a future economy based on knowledge and innovation, the program aims to enhance the competitiveness of the national space sector, encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors, and develop talent.

Climate change and food security are among the biggest challenges the world faces.

In 2019, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were higher than at any time in at least two million years, while nearly 750 million - or roughly one in 10 people worldwide - were exposed to severe levels of food insecurity during the same year.

Hence the need for urgent action to address both issues, which is what the UAE Space Agency aims to do.

Her Excellency Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency, said that Expo 2020 Dubai represents a unique opportunity to unite the world's efforts on global challenges, and cooperate for a brighter future.

Today we are taking a major step forward in our commitment to averting environmental disaster, empowering talent, promoting the development of commercially viable services for space, and encouraging public-private partnerships.

For her part, Her Excellency Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that climate change and food security are linked, as rising temperatures and extreme weather phenomena have a devastating impact on global food systems. In turn, food systems are responsible for more than a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, to chart a sustainable future, we must tackle these challenges head-on, which requires innovative solutions.

In her turn, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said that Expo 2020 Dubai is the ideal platform to launch this challenge as the most prominent event in the world hosted by the UAE in conjunction with the celebration of the country's golden jubilee, where we celebrate the achievements of our nation and look forward to the fifty years. coming. Attracting, retaining and empowering talent is an essential part of our vision of global growth, regional prosperity and human progress, as well as exploring the mysteries of the universe and unleashing the enormous potential of space science and technology to address pressing global challenges here on Earth.

According to the approved schedule, a deadline has been set for January 15, 2022, to apply for the Challenge, the top six will be invited to submit proposals before a panel of experts in February 2022, with two winners selected, after evaluating the proposals according to a variety of factors, including professional experience and background. The academy is for individuals, as well as the creative idea itself and its applicability.

The challenge comes weeks after the UAE Space Agency announced a new mission to explore Venus and the asteroid belt, setting a new and ambitious goal for the country's burgeoning space programme.

Like the challenge, the new mission underscores the UAE's efforts to make a meaningful contribution to space exploration, scientific research, and our understanding of the solar system over the next 50 years.

On the other hand, global leaders from space agencies, governments and private companies have gathered to explore the sustainable expansion of humanity in the universe during the Space Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is organized in cooperation with the Emirates Space Agency.

In her keynote speech at the opening of the Space Week, Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri stressed the importance of developing a global action plan to support space exploration and human progress.

She said that this event represents an opportunity for the international community to meet and develop a strategy focused on action to enhance global cooperation in all areas related to space. Our future vision focuses on building effective bilateral and multilateral partnerships, with a wide range of stakeholders, to promote sustainable economic development.

We are also determined to empower talent, encourage promising ideas, and enhance the presence of youth and women in future industries.

We look forward to what the world can achieve if we work together to create a framework that is mutually beneficial for all nations.

The opening session, titled “Space: Where the World Unites for Progress”, attracted more than 12 countries, companies and government entities, namely Saudi Arabia, the African Union Commission, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, the United Nations International Telecommunication Union, Jacobs, Malaysia, New Zealand and Slovenia. the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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