On Tuesday, Keren Shahar the Director of the Treaties Department at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was chosen by the United Nations to serve on the Steering Bureau of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOUS). 124 countries including the United States, Canada, France, and Germany voted in favor of the appointment. In addition to Israel, Brazil, Mexico, Poland, South Africa and Indonesia were also elected to lead the 84 member organization.

 

COPUOS is responsible for “governing the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity, reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, encouraging space research, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.” Israel has been a member of COPUOS since 2015 and a full member of the UN Committee on Space Affairs since 2016. Israeli expertise in the field of space and aviation will allow Israel to play a meaningful role as a leading member of COPUOS. Israel is the smallest country in the world with satellite launch capabilities and is one of only 11 nations with the ability to launch unmanned missions into space.

Shahar’s appointment to the steering bureau of COPUOS highlights Israel’s growing standing in the international arena. Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon welcomed Tuesday’s decision noting “We have proven once again that Israel can succeed in all roles as we spearhead positive new initiatives as an equal partner in the UN. We will continue to stand strong against attempts to harm Israel in the international arena”.