The International
Day of Human Space Flight, a new observance proclaimed by the United Nations
General Assembly, marks one of humankind’s greatest achievements: the presence
of people in space.
On this date in 1961,
Yuri Gagarin became the first envoy of humanity to outer space, opening the way
for exploration that has generated important benefits for the human family.
Through the years,
space science and technology have helped us confront very down-to-earth
problems, producing solutions that are transforming our approach to climate
change, food security, global health, humanitarian assistance and more.
Today, these
discoveries and applications are proving indispensable to global efforts to
achieve sustainable development. With
the Rio +20 conference just over two months
away, space-driven research, insights and analysis will continue to play a
crucial role.
For half a
century, the United Nations, through the Office for Outer Space Affairs, has sought to bring the benefits of space to
all on Earth, including by working to ensure that outer
space is used for peaceful purposes.
With the involvement of a growing number
of countries, the exploration of outer space is now a truly global undertaking.
I am confident that the International Day of Human Space Flight will remind us
of our common humanity and our need to work together to conquer shared
challenges. I hope it will also inspire
young people in particular to pursue their dreams and
move the world towards new frontiers of knowledge and understanding.
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