The primary objective of UNOOSA is to foster global collaboration in the peaceful utilization and exploration of outer space, as well as the effective application of space science and technology to achieve sustainable economic and social progress.

Aarti Holla-Maini has over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector including managerial and advocacy functions.

Before she was appointed as the Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, she was Executive Vice-President Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space.

Before that, Aarti Holla-Maini worked as the Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association. She held that role for 18 years.

Holla-Maini’s experience includes service as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space; member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at the École Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) Space Center; member of the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Advisor to Forum Europe and as Expert Advisor on Space Traffic Management for European Union studies 2021-2023.

In addition, she played a key role in designing the Crisis Connectivity Charter, which was established in 2015. This charter aimed to facilitate emergency telecommunications through satellite technology, working closely with the UN World Food Program’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.

EDUCATION:

Aarti Holla-Maini holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London, the United Kingdom, and a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Paris, France.

She is also an alumna of the International Space University and speaks English, French, German and Punjabi and has moderate knowledge of Dutch.

(With agency inputs)

Updated: 27 Jun 2023, 05:40 PM IST