VIENNA — 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) to create new opportunities for young women seeking careers in the global space sector.
The agreement was signed at the Vienna International Centre during a high-level side event held alongside the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), marking a major step toward expanding female participation in science, technology, engineering, space research and leadership.
The partnership formed part of the closing event of the Space4Women Landmark Study on Gender Equality in the Space Sector (2024–2026), a three-year international initiative led by UNOOSA with support from the Republic of Korea to strengthen gender equality across the global space ecosystem.
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Under the agreement, UNOOSA and the Dawood Global Foundation will cooperate to facilitate internships and professional development opportunities for young women from Pakistan and other countries. The initiative aims to open access to international platforms and strengthen career pathways in the growing space economy.
Opening the event, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini welcomed representatives from governments, space agencies, academic institutions and international organisations.
During the ceremony, she said the partnership supports UNOOSA’s objective of increasing training and professional opportunities for young women who aspire to build careers in the space sector.
The signing ceremony drew a full audience at the Vienna International Centre and became one of the key outcomes of the final implementation phase of the Space4Women initiative, which focuses on delivering long-term progress and sustainable outcomes for gender equality.
 Following the signing, Tara Uzra Dawood, Founder and President of the Dawood Global Foundation, highlighted the importance of ensuring that girls and young women from Pakistan and developing countries play a visible role in the future of space exploration, innovation and leadership.
She said Pakistani girls hold exceptional talent and should receive greater access to global opportunities, mentorship, training and international networks to help shape humanity’s next chapter in space.
International partners also welcomed the agreement.
Gunhee Park, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division of the Korean Aerospace Administration (KASA), praised the initiative and described the remarks delivered during the event as inspiring, while recognising the contribution of Pakistani female-origin astronaut Namira Salim.
Closing remarks were delivered by Dr Gay Jane P. Perez, Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, who congratulated the Dawood Global Foundation and highlighted the partnership’s potential to create meaningful opportunities for women globally.
The initiative also attracted interest from additional national space agencies seeking future collaboration. Márcia Alvarenga, Head of International Cooperation at the Brazilian Space Agency, said the organisation looks forward to exploring future partnerships with the Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND.
The agreement represents an important milestone for Pakistan’s growing engagement in international space and STEM initiatives and highlights the increasing role of Pakistani-led efforts in creating opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
The partnership also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, quality education and international cooperation while advancing UNOOSA’s mission to ensure that the benefits of space remain accessible to all humanity.
