Manama, The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) announced the election of its candidate Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa as the Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) for 2025 at COPUS 67th session. The session was held by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) on June 19-28 in Vienna. The NSSA said that this election represents a milestone in the space sector in Bahrain, adding that Shaikha Hessa is the first Bahraini and Arabic women to have been appointed in this position. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, NSSA CEO, expressed NSSA's pride in electing Shaikha Hessa bint Ali by UNOOSA members, which reflects Bahrain's position internationally supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the follow up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. Dr. Aseeri noted the role of directives of Lieutenant-General Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander. Dr. Al Aseeri underscored that Shaikha Hessa bint Ali's election is a demonstration of the status of Bahraini women regionally and internationally, which was further consolidated by the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and SCW President. NSSA CEO congratulated Shaikha Hessa bint Ali, wishing her success in her duties, looking forward to her contributions in further discovering outer space for peaceful uses. Shaikha Hessa bint Ali expressed her honour in being elected for this position, adding that her election reflects Bahrain's commitment to further discover outer space and represents an important step forward for Arab Women in space, future sciences and diplomacy. Shaikha Hessa bint Ali, a Senior Legal Researcher at the NSSA, has a 10 year experience and is a founding member of the NSSA. She holds a bachelor's degree in Law an d Political Sciences from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, and she holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of DePaul. She obtained professional certificates in space law, completed specialised courses in space science, and represented the NSSA in many committees and meetings at various national, regional and international levels. Source: Bahrain News Agency