The University of the Philippines hosted a dinner reception for UN Office for Outer Space Affairs Director Aarti Holla-Maini, March 13 at the Executive House, UP Diliman. The event was led by UP President Angelo Jimenez. He was joined by other UP System officials and delegates from the Philippine Space Agency.
Jimenez, in his welcome remarks, outlined UP’s contribution to the country’s space sector. He said UP has been instrumental in the development of the Philippines’ early satellite initiatives, including the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite, which launched the first Filipino-made microsatellites, Diwata-1 and Diwata-2.
In her keynote address, Holla-Maini highlighted the role of universities in ensuring access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education and disseminating knowledge on space law.
On March 11, UNOOSA Legal and Programme Officer for Space Law Rosanna Hoffman delivered a lecture on space treaties and obligations at the UP College of Law. The event, “Space Law Today: Treaties, Obligations, and Legal Challenges in the Contemporary International Order,” tackled existing international laws and their legal implications on space governance.
UNOOSA aims “to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space.” Since its establishment in 1958, UNOOSA has been working with UN member states in establishing “legal and regulatory frameworks” in governing space activities and utilizing space technology. According to Holla-Maini, the organization also partners with institutions in building satellite infrastructures, particularly in developing countries.
