Vienna, Austria – (December 3, 2024)
The, Moon Village Association (MVA), a non-governmental organization that promotes international collaboration for the development of the lunar economy, is delighted to announce a significant new partnership with the United Arab Emirates that will see the creation of the Moon Village Centre in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi will serve as the location for the main event for next year’s International Moon Day celebrations in July and will also host the MVA’s 9th Annual Workshop and Symposium, to take place in November 2025.
The proposed partnership recognises the UAE’s growing influence in the global space industry and its notable commitment to advancing space innovation and diplomacy. This was announced at the 8th Annual MVA Workshop and Symposium in Luxembourg and coincides with the UAE’s 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations.
International Moon Day is a United Nations designated international day that is held for the general public and celebrated across the world. It was first proposed by the MVA and is observed on 20 July each year to mark the date of mankind’s first landing on the moon in 1969. It considers the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raises public awareness of initiatives for sustainable Moon exploration and utilization. Plans for International Moon Day 2025 are comprised of two parts. A main event hosted in Abu Dhabi and multiple smaller global events expected to take place on six continents.
The annual MVA Workshop and Symposium is devoted to discussions of different aspects of the exploration and utilization of the Moon. Each year it brings together Space Agencies, government, industry, policymakers and international experts to share progress, new ideas and relevant information to enable humanity’s permanent, peaceful and sustainable presence on the Moon.
Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, President, MVA says:
“With its rapidly developing space programme, the UAE has a huge role to play in the evolution of humanity’s activity on the moon. We were hugely impressed by the quality of the UAE’s submission and can’t wait to share more details of our plans for 2025.”
Dr. Nasr Al -Sahhaf, Chair of the United Nations International Moon Day, adds:
“The moon is owned by no one and yet inspires everyone, which is why I’m thrilled at the scale of Abu Dhabi’s plans to work with us in 2025. Having previously hosted our main event in the USA, South Korea, China and Germany, the UAE will be a key strategic partner in helping us to engage citizens from across the globe.”
Dr. Salem bin Abdullah Alwahshi, CEO of the Emirates Council for Work Relations Development, concludes:
“We’re honoured to have been selected to host the MVA’s flagship 2025 events. There are many parallels between the goals of the Moon Village and those of the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Both have stood the test of time in creating new opportunity, advancing civilisation and improving quality of life for all.”
Further information about International Moon Day 2025 and the MVA 9th Annual Workshop & Symposium will be announced in due course. For the latest announcements, and more information about, the Moon Village Association, please visit https://moonvillageassociation.org/
About the Moon Village Association
The Moon Village Association (MVA) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Vienna, founded in 2017. Its goal is the creation of a permanent global informal forum for stakeholders like governments, industry, academia and the general public interested in the development of the Moon Village. The MVA is the assembling of all efforts from private industry, governments and others aimed to explore and use the Moon in a sustainable manner. The MVA fosters cooperation for existing or planned Moon exploration programs, be they public or private initiatives. It comprises more than 800 participants to MVA activities and 27 institutional members from more than 60 countries, representing a diverse array of technical, scientific, cultural and interdisciplinary fields. The MVA partners with non-space organizations to promote international discussions and formulation of plans to foster the development of the Moon Village, and is creating international, national and regional networks to engage civil society around the world. MVA has several activities, including International Moon Day project and the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA). The Moon Village Association’s mission is unique, bridging together both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations offering them the opportunity to play a role in its realization. There is no other organization on the international scene having such a mission.
About the Emirates Council for Work Relations Development (ECWRD)
Emirates Council for Work Relations Development is a national organization targeting to be the main platform for business development and cooperation between United Arab Emirates and organizations within Europe, Middle East, Africa, Americas and Asia to enable business cooperation in various vistas economy, trade, Agriculture, manufacturing, import and Export as well as professional Services.The council through its regional and international partners, entities, affiliates and institutions will work as main hub for business expansion, development and relations. The council with years and years of experience in business within the region which will be availed either as consulting services, arrangements, intermediately between the vast demands based on the economic development for United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region. The council aims to bring in investments in all sectors and to contribute for the economic growth directly and indirectly and to be a value addition for all the partners from all aspects within United Arab Emirates and Internationally. The wise leadership of United Arab Emirates with its directions and All the above contribute to shape the council strategy, values and services.