The appointment of the president of the Italian Space Agency at a time of Italy’s special commitment to space and, in particular, to emerging countries

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) confirms the appointment of Prof. Teodoro Valente, president of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), as chairman of COPUOS, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Extra Atmospheric Space for the period 2026-2027. This is a recognition of ASI’s increasingly active and central role at the national and international levels.

COPUOS was created in 1958 by the United Nations to promote cooperation among nations for the peaceful exploration and use of space, to study legal issues related to the human use of outer space, and to engage developing countries in the use of space products and services through training and capacity building projects.

Italy was among the founding countries of the committee, which now has 95 member countries.

Valente’s appointment took place during the proceedings of the 67th session of COPUOS being held in Vienna at the United Nations headquarters.