EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE OF UN REGIONAL CENTRE FOR SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

摘要

The benefits of space technology, both direct and indirect, have introduced new dimensions into the study and understanding of Earth's processes and in improving the quality of life for the people living on it. An essential prerequisite to partaking in these opportunities is the building of various indigenous capacities for the development and utilisation of space science and technology. In recognition of such a prerequisite, a consensus has emerged within the international community that if effective assimilation and appropriate application of space technology are to succeed in the developing countries, dedicated efforts must be made at the local level for the development of necessary high-level knowledge and expertise in space technology fields. To this end, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 45/72 of 11 December 1990, endorsed the recommendations of the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) that "the United Nations should lead, with the active support of its specialised agencies and other international organisations, an inter- national effort to establish regional Centres for space science and technology education in existing national/regional educational institutions in the developing countries". Based on this recommendation, the United Nations initiated the process of establishing Centres of Space Science and Technology Education at the regional level in the developing countries.