Italy assumes the Presidency of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) for the 2026–2027 term

During the 69^th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), which opened today in Vienna, Italy assumed the Presidency for the 2026-2027 term. The Committee elected the President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), Teodoro Valente, as Chair. Established in 1959 and currently composed of 110 Member States, COPUOS is the main multilateral forum for the promotion of international cooperation and the peaceful use of outer space.

The beginning of the Italian Presidency represents further recognition of Italy's growing role in the space sector. With this appointment, Italy brings to three the presidencies in major international bodies in the sector, alongside those of the ESA Ministerial Council and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

During its mandate, Italy will promote an inclusive multilateral approach aimed at fostering shared solutions to the main international challenges in the sector, ranging from lunar exploration to the management of satellite traffic and space debris, from access to space to issues related to international law, as well as technological developments opening up new economic and industrial opportunities. This commitment will be pursued in close cooperation with the Government's delegated authority, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Interministerial Committee for Space Policies (COMINT) and the private sector.