President Paul Kagame has joined heads of state and government, scientists, international organizations and private-sector leaders in Paris for the International Space Summit, which is focusing on the growing role of space technology in economic development, scientific research and innovation.
The summit, jointly organized by France and Germany, brings together policymakers and experts to discuss the future of the global space sector, including the space economy, scientific research, emerging technologies and the sustainable use of outer space.
Ahead of the summit, Kagame held talks with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany on cooperation between Rwanda and the United Nations agency.
Their discussions covered collaboration in education, science and technology, cultural heritage and the preservation of historical records.
Africa’s role in the global space sector is among the key issues on the summit’s agenda. Discussions are examining how African countries can harness space-based technologies to accelerate development, strengthen scientific research and build capacity among scientists and technology institutions.
Participants are also exploring ways to increase Africa’s voice in developing international rules and regulations governing the use of outer space as the sector becomes increasingly important to the global economy.
Space technologies are playing an expanding role in areas such as telecommunications, agriculture, climate monitoring, weather forecasting, environmental protection and disaster preparedness and response.
Rwanda’s participation highlights the country’s efforts to position science, technology and innovation as drivers of development, while expanding international partnerships in the emerging space economy.
