The announcement was made by the Moon Village Association (MVA) in collaboration with the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO).
The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) was the organiser last week of the World Moon Day Conference from Cyprus in collaboration with the Moon Village Association (MVA). That is why CSEO and Cyprus were chosen to make the official global announcement of the proclamation of World Moon Day.
The President of the Moon Village Association (MVA), Giuseppe Reibaldi, the President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) spoke at the Press Conference, George Danos, the former President of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), Cosmonaut Dorin Prunariu, and MVA Legal Advisor Ima Ionescu. Also in attendance was a representative of the United Nations, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Head of Communications, Martin Stasko.
The President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Agency, George Danos, announced that Cyprus becomes the first founding member of World Moon Day, implementing celebrations for this day.
The President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Agency, George Danos, announced that Cyprus becomes the first founding member of World Moon Day, implementing celebrations for this day. The celebrations will be organised and coordinated in Cyprus by CSEO.
In addition Cyprus will be a regional centre for the implementation of World Moon Day, due to CSEO's role within MVA and other international bodies, and will coordinate this World Day in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa. Cyprus will also broadcast through various means the global events and activities of this Day to a global audience.
Mr Danos said: "As Cyprus we feel particularly proud that the International Moon Organisation has chosen Cyprus not only to host the World Congress but also to announce this important decision by the United Nations to establish a World Moon Day." He added that "for the future of lunar exploration and the ambitious goals of establishing permanent bases on the Moon, global cooperation and a framework of sustainable principles for coexistence and cooperation on the Moon, with all the positive results for planet Earth, is highly necessary". He went on to say, "Our small Cyprus, once again, shows the great role it can play in bringing nations together especially on space issues, which is one of the most important issues that bring humanity together to manage the major issues affecting our planet, such as climate change. CSEO continues its work to make Cyprus a pioneering pillar of cooperation in the global space and lunar ecosystem." Asked specifically about Cyprus' role, Danos said it is not a simple one. He noted that Cyprus will be the first country from which the World Day will be implemented and this makes it a founding member.
Announcing the decision, Mr. Reibaldi said that in its rationale, the United Nations notes that July 20 is declared World Moon Day, as it is the anniversary of the landing of the first man on the moon in 1969. Considering the achievements of all countries taking part in the exploration of the moon, the aim is to promote and involve people of all ages in this activity and this was the reason why the resolution was adopted.
The main message is that more than 50 years ago we went to the moon because of competition. Now we will go to the moon because of cooperation. We will cooperate so that the whole human race, especially the new generation, can reap the benefit, he said.
For her part, Ionescu said that this day is to face the challenges of the new space age, which is based on cooperation and not on competition.
The Moon is for exploration, we can observe the increasing density of missions to the Moon, the thoughts of a permanent base on the Moon. We want to inspire the public and especially young people. I recognize the importance of raising public awareness about space missions, she said while noting that World Asteroid Day certainly inspired her to propose World Moon Day.
For his part, former director of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, cosmonaut Doreen Brunario said the recognition on the part of the UN attaches a lot of importance to what we do.
Recognizing July 20 as a very important day for lunar exploration, the date is significant because it was the first time man went to the moon and that has huge significance. So, every year, we will organize scientific, cultural activities to inform the public about the development of moon exploration and the goals and results."
He noted that the proposal was approved by the general assembly in a very short time.
In addition, the COED will coordinate countries in the wider region on space and astronomy issues, so that Cyprus will have a coordinating, international role in the implementation of this day worldwide.
Communication sponsor is CNA.
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