The 10th anniversary of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in the Asia-Pacific region in China has been celebrated in Hangzhou. Over 300 people gathered for the festivities, including industry officials, experts, students, and educators from 22 countries. Huang Yichang has more.
It's a special occasion for the space education hub as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. And this centre is not just another academic institution.
HUANG YICHANG, Hangzhou "Located in Beihang University, This is one of six regional centres worldwide affiliated to the United Nations. The mission of this one is to enhance the space technology capabilities of developing countries. All the students here are coming from nations across the globe, united by a shared mission: to advance space technology in their home countries."
Currently, 78 students are enrolled in the centre's degree programs.
ODAI REDRAWN OTHMAN, Student from Yemen, Master's in Global Navigation Satellite Systems "In my country, shortly, they will need such technology to monitor the area, we can also do the GNSS-R and things related to agriculture."
As part of the celebration, international delegates toured the campus and laboratories. Directors from four other regional centres, including those in Nigeria and Morocco, were also in attendance.
DR. SEYI FESTUS OLATOYINBO, Executive Director, UN ARCSSTE-E "This is my first time in the Asian continent, with the tour I have on the campus this morning, I am kind of very impressed with the facilities. I believe coming here to sign the agreement is gonna foster cooperation and support for other Regional centers, particularly in the African continent."
PR. ANAS EMRAN, Director UN CRASTE-LF "This is an example of a gap bridge between African students and the new centre."
Over the past ten years, nearly 400 graduates from 33 developing countries have been trained here. The institution has also continuously promoted exchanges with member states and other regional centres.
"We must make good use of the United Nations Regional Center Alliance mechanism that is about to be established today, strengthening resource sharing among the various regional centres."
As a highlight of the ceremony, it was announced that the Regional Center's Coordinating Office will be based in Hangzhou. Additionally, delegates from member countries jointly issued the 'Hangzhou Initiative,' which aims to shape the future of space education through international cooperation. Huang Yichang. CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
