India, Israel, the United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the I2U2 group in New York have announced a new joint space venture that is aimed at creating a “unique space-based tool” for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs. The I2U2 group of nations, who are collectively referred to as the West Asian Quad and are all signatories of the Artemis Accords, made this announcement on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday (NY local time).
Announcing the space venture, the US Department of State spokesperson, in a release, said, “Primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries, this project aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity.”
The I2U2 group was conceptualised during the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries on October 18, 2021. It is aimed at encouraging joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. Last Thursday, the I2U2 group also launched a website to strengthen the public-private partnership in several sectors and invited private companies from the four member countries to submit their projects to tackle some of the challenges confronting the world.
The officials of I2U2 member nations termed the announcement of the digital platform a tangible step that will help in “shaping the sustainable and prosperous future”.
At the launch of the website, Indian official Dammu Ravi MEA secretary of Economic Relations (ER) said, “This is part of leaders’ commitment that we are taking forward…We hope this website will give an opportunity for businesses to interact and collaborate on projects and partnerships in different parts of the world.” The I2U2 aims to mobilise private sector capital and expertise to achieve a variety of goals, including modernising infrastructure, advancing low-carbon development pathways, and improving public health, according to the US Department of State.
Announcing the space venture, the US Department of State spokesperson, in a release, said, “Primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries, this project aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity.”
The I2U2 group was conceptualised during the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries on October 18, 2021. It is aimed at encouraging joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. Last Thursday, the I2U2 group also launched a website to strengthen the public-private partnership in several sectors and invited private companies from the four member countries to submit their projects to tackle some of the challenges confronting the world.
The officials of I2U2 member nations termed the announcement of the digital platform a tangible step that will help in “shaping the sustainable and prosperous future”.
At the launch of the website, Indian official Dammu Ravi MEA secretary of Economic Relations (ER) said, “This is part of leaders’ commitment that we are taking forward…We hope this website will give an opportunity for businesses to interact and collaborate on projects and partnerships in different parts of the world.” The I2U2 aims to mobilise private sector capital and expertise to achieve a variety of goals, including modernising infrastructure, advancing low-carbon development pathways, and improving public health, according to the US Department of State.
