Shura Second Deputy Chairperson participates in MMoP panel in Australia
Sydney, Sep. 28 (BNA): Dr. Jehad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council, participated in a panel titled "Space for Improving Public Services" at the 15th International Meeting for Ministers and Parliamentarians (MMoP), organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and held under the theme "Space the Indispensable Ally for Decision-Makers."
Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, was present.
The event brought together representatives from the governments and parliaments of approximately 24 countries, alongside experts and stakeholders in the space domain.
Dr. Al Fadhel highlighted Bahrain’s notable achievements in space, highlighting the pivotal role played by the legislative authority in supporting national plans in this area. She emphasised that these efforts are inspired by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She noted that the legislative authority has worked hand in hand with the executive branch to ensure the provision of necessary resources and requirements for the space sector.
Dr. Al Fadhel explained that the role of the legislative authority goes beyond just lawmaking. She highlighted Bahrain’s plans to introduce a dedicated space law and emphasised parliament’s involvement in approving funding for national space projects, ensuring resources are used effectively, promoting partnerships with universities, research centres, and international agencies, and raising public awareness of how space technologies benefit daily life.
She said that transforming satellite data and imagery into accurate and reliable information enables governments to develop more effective policies and deliver more efficient services. Space technology, she stated, plays a key role in monitoring environmental changes, managing natural disasters, improving urban planning, ensuring the safety of water resources, and measuring air and climate quality.
Dr. Al Fadhel added that the comprehensive support provided to the space sector in the Kingdom has enabled the country to achieve significant milestones over the past decade, since the establishment of the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA). Over 25 space applications have been developed to support more than 30 national projects, all of which directly benefit the community and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research projects related to satellite imagery have increased by 42%, joint national and international projects have doubled, demand for the agency’s services has risen by 167%, and user satisfaction has reached 92%, a clear indicator of public trust in these solutions.
Dr. Al Fadhel also pointed to practical applications used in national afforestation programmes, which have led to a 16% increase in green cover between 2021 and 2024, in addition to monitoring urban heat islands, tracking water quality to reduce health risks, and assessing the impacts of sea level rise to inform urban planning.
She further discussed Bahrain’s commitment to international and regional cooperation, recognising that space is a shared responsibility and opportunity. Bahrain has participated in the United Nations’ Space4Water initiative, and has collaborated with the United Kingdom to develop a satellite campaign for monitoring carbon emissions in support of global net-zero goals. Furthermore, Bahrain has launched the "Space for Sustainability" programme in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which employs artificial intelligence to analyse remote sensing data in service of sustainability objectives.
Dr Al Fadhel described the meeting as a key opportunity to share insights and boost international cooperation in a sector that increasingly shapes human development and policymaking. She stressed that space is not only scientific or technological, but also strategic, developmental, and humanitarian offering practical solutions for managing resources, improving public services, and supporting sustainable development.
Dr Al Fadhel emphasised that Bahrain’s space achievements over the past decade are just the beginning, highlighting the need for ongoing international collaboration and knowledge sharing amid rapid technological change. She underscored Bahrain’s commitment to investing in the space sector, strengthening global partnerships, and ensuring space technologies continue to serve humanity, promote peace, and support sustainable development.
General discussions among parliamentarians and ministers focused on three main themes: the use of space in disaster and risk management, its role in enhancing public services, and space-derived solutions to improve life on Earth. Throughout their interventions, representatives presented best practices from their respective countries in utilising space technologies in these areas.
