The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Dawood Global Foundation (DGF), through its LADIESFUND Educate a Girl initiative, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Vienna International Centre on the margins of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). The two-week summit brought together governments, space agencies, academics, and industry leaders from around the world.
Signing at Space4Women Event
The signing took place during the concluding event of the Space4Women Landmark Study on Gender Equality in the Space Sector (2024–2026), a three-year global initiative led by UNOOSA with support from the Republic of Korea. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation to facilitate internship and professional development opportunities for young women from Pakistan and other countries pursuing careers in the space sector, aiming to expand pathways for greater female participation in STEM, space research, and leadership.
The agreement was formally signed by Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, and Tara Uzra Dawood, Founder and President of the Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND. Holla-Maini stated: "We are most happy to sign an MoU with the Dawood Global Foundation, which contributes to the objective of UNOOSA of increasing training and professional opportunities for young women aspiring to a career in the space sector."
Keynote and International Support
Following the signing, Tara Uzra Dawood delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of ensuring that girls and young women from Pakistan and across the developing world are represented in the future of space exploration, research, innovation, and leadership. She emphasized that Pakistani girls possess extraordinary talent and potential and must be given access to global opportunities, mentorship, training, and international platforms. "The future of space must include the talent, creativity, and leadership of young women from Pakistan and across the developing world. This partnership helps create pathways for them to participate in shaping humanity’s future beyond Earth," she said.
The event received strong support from international partners. Gunhee Park, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division of the Korean Aerospace Administration (KASA), remarked: "Tara’s speech was very inspiring, particularly her reference to Pakistani-origin astronaut Namira Salim. Congratulations to UNOOSA and DGF LADIESFUND."
Closing Remarks and Future Collaboration
Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, who congratulated Tara Uzra Dawood and the Dawood Global Foundation on the partnership and its potential to create meaningful opportunities for young women worldwide. The initiative also attracted interest from other national space agencies. Márcia Alvarenga, Head of International Cooperation at the Brazilian Space Agency, stated: "We are very glad that Dawood Global Foundation LADIESFUND is identifying and facilitating women interns from Pakistan and other countries to be part of UNOOSA, and we are looking forward to discussing possible partnerships with Dawood Global and LADIESFUND with Brazil."
Significance for Pakistan and Global Goals
The MoU represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s engagement in international space and STEM advancement efforts and underscores the growing role of Pakistani-led initiatives in creating global opportunities for women and girls. The partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Gender Equality (SDG 5), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), while contributing to UNOOSA’s mission of ensuring that the benefits of space are accessible to all humanity.
