Tag: The United Nations

This World Sustainability Day, take a step towards a greener future

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Sustainability Day is marked on October 26. It is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. As the world grapples with pressing challenges such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet for generations to come.

History of World Sustainability Day:

World Sustainability Day traces its roots back to the year 1969 when the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was introduced in the United States. At that time, environmental concerns such as air and water quality prompted Congress to address the concept of sustainable development. NEPA defined sustainable development as the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature while fulfilling the social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations. This policy emphasised the importance of considering environmental effects before making any significant decisions, laying the foundation for global sustainability efforts.

Significance of World Sustainability Day:

In the modern era, sustainability has evolved from being a mere trend to becoming a fundamental aspect of our lives. World Sustainability Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. Designers and brands worldwide are incorporating sustainable principles into their processes, from using eco-friendly materials to adopting ethical labour practices. This day not only reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship but also educates people about the significance of sustainable living.

World Sustainability Day plays a vital role in bringing the topic of sustainability to the forefront of global discussions. It serves as a platform to remind communities worldwide about the crucial role they play in caring for the environment and adopting sustainable lifestyles.

Building a Sustainable Future:

Addressing complex challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and nature loss requires collective efforts. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for collaboration between businesses, governments and civil society organisations. These goals emphasise the integration of social, environmental and economic dimensions, highlighting the interdependence of people and nature. A just, secure and sustainable world can only be achieved when both humanity and the environment thrive together.

How to get involved individually for a greener future?

Individuals can contribute to building a sustainable future through simple yet impactful actions. Here are a few ways to get involved:

– Donate Unused Items: Clear out your closet and donate clothes and items you no longer need.

– Embrace Eco-Friendly Habits: Start composting, ride your bike, take shorter showers, and turn off lights and devices when not in use.

– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Recycle waste materials and opt for reusable items such as shopping bags and water bottles.

– Promote Cleanliness: Clean up litter in your community and participate in local clean-up initiatives.

– Conserve Resources: Practice water conservation by turning off taps when not in use and consider carpooling to reduce emissions.

– Minimize Paper Usage: Go paperless where possible and opt out of junk mail to reduce paper waste.

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United Nations Day 2023: History, significance and theme of world body as it celebrates 75th anniversary

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The United Nations acts as a pioneer for international peace and promotes the idea of a fairer world to make the globe a better place to live in. The organisation was established in 1945 and completed its 75th anniversary this year. United Nations Day is an important observance that is celebrated annually on October 24, marking the adoption of the United Nations Charter in the year 1945. This basic document set the foundation of the United Nations and gave hope to people across the globe who wished they would be united and peaceful. Thus, the UN serves as the last hope for unity in the world that has immeasurable legitimacy, convening power, and normative influence.

United Nations Day History

The United Nations Conference on International Organization was held in San Francisco in 1945 by representatives of about 50 nations. They were tasked to draw up the United Nations Charter and it was adopted by the signatories. Five out of 10 were permanent UN Security Council members. When the agreement was signed by a majority, the United Nations assumed operations. Since then, the UN has been central to the process of international cooperation, peace, and development. It acts as a catalyst in the transformation advocating for human rights, freedoms, and justice.

Significance of United Nations Day

This year UN Day has an added importance because it commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with the theme of “Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”. The declaration, consisting of 30 articles, acts as a blueprint for the UN. This played a positive role in initiating the ratification of a multitude of human rights treaties globally.

The 75th anniversary of the UDHR is an occasion for advancing the cause of universal, indivisible human rights and promoting advocacy and accountability. It highlights the continuing significance of human rights as an internationally recognised cornerstone.

United Nations Day Theme 2023

Individuals and nations are drawn towards the United Nations Day 2023 theme of “Equality, Freedom and Justice for All.” This brings us back to the UN’s constant loyalty to these basic principles noted in the UDHR. The theme symbolises a rallying cry that calls upon the UN and its supporters to rededicate themselves to human rights and strive towards a world where equality, freedom and justice are reality rather than mere ideals.

The UN Day 2023 marks the journey of the international organisation from its establishment in 1945 till today when it is a sign of hope and unity. This year’s theme encourages everyone to continue the search for a world that functions under these values to live a life based on these principles so the world can be a better place to reside.

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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: History, significance, theme, and all you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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One of the major issues that the world faces on a global scale is poverty which manifests in hunger and malnutrition, leading to limited access to education and other basic services and social discrimination. Across the globe, close to 44 million people are presently living in poverty. In order to address this issue and draw attention to the global issue of poverty, a day has been dedicated as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Observed every year on October 17, the day aims to create awareness related to poverty and violations of human rights on the basis of people’s financial and cultural backgrounds.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023: Theme

According to the United Nations, the theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been set as “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All.” The theme draws on first-hand testimonials showing that those trapped in extreme poverty often work long, gruelling hours in dangerous, unregulated conditions but still cannot earn enough income to support themselves and their families.

The theme focuses on the need for universal access to decent work and social protection as a means to uphold human dignity for all.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: History

The history of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty dates back to October 17, 1987. On this date back in 1987, thousands of people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, proclaiming that poverty is a violation of human rights, and affirming the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.

Since that day, people from all walks of life and backgrounds have been coming together every year on October 17 to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with those suffering from poverty.

In December 1992, the General Assembly declared that October 17 be observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Significance

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It holds major significance considering the rising poverty in the world. It not only aims to respect the poor sections of society but also to recognise their struggles.

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International Day of Sign Languages: History, significance and basic signs you should know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The International Day of Sign Languages is observed worldwide on September 23 every year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial role sign languages play in upholding the human rights of the deaf community in the world.

The United Nations General Assembly established this day to support and protect linguistic diversity and cultural identity, especially for people with hearing impairment and other sign language users.

History of International Day of Sign Languages

The roots of this day date back to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation representing deaf people worldwide. In 2017, the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations and 97 United Nations Member States moved a resolution A/RES/72/161. This resolution proclaimed September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages.

The choice of this date holds historical significance as it commemorates the establishment of the WFD in 1951. This organisation’s primary mission is to preserve sign languages and deaf culture, which is essential for the realisation of the human rights of deaf people. The inaugural celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages took place in 2018 as part of the broader International Week of the Deaf, which has grown into a global movement advocating for deaf rights since its inception in 1958.

Significance

With over 70 million deaf people worldwide the need to recognise and promote sign languages has become more evident. More than 80 percent of deaf people worldwide reside in developing countries. The sign languages, distinct from spoken languages, consist of over 300 variants globally.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underscores the equal status of sign languages with spoken languages and calls for states to facilitate sign language learning. It highlights the importance of early access to sign language and services, especially in education, for the growth and development of deaf individuals.

The theme for International Day of Sign Languages 2023

The theme for the 2023 International Day of Sign Languages, ‘A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere,’ underscores the unity sign languages foster. The theme has been selected to encourage deaf communities, governments and civil society organisations worldwide to join hands to promote and recognise national sign languages within their diverse linguistic landscapes.

Learning basic sign languages

Learning this expressive and vital form of communication opens doors to connect with the deaf community, fostering understanding and unity. Here are various avenues to learn sign language – sign language classes, online learning, joining sign language groups, online courses, hiring a qualified tutor and observing interpreters, among others.

Learning basic sign language phrases is a commendable step towards inclusivity. Here are essential phrases everyone should know to initiate a conversation with a deaf person:

1. Greetings:

• Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening / Good Night.

2. Inquiries:

• How are you? Good / Fine.
• How can I help you?
• Where is ___? (e.g., bathroom/food/break room/office etc).

3. Politeness and Gratitude:

• Thank you / You’re welcome.
• Sorry / Please / Excuse me.

4. Self-Introduction:

• My name is [finger spell your name].
• Nice to meet you.

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UN deputy secretary-general visits India to discuss various global issues

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Amina J Mohammed on Monday arrived in India for her three-day visit, with an aim to discuss various global issues, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Her visit spanning three days from July 3-5 is her first visit to India since her reappointment as the UN Deputy Secretary General for a second five-year term in January 2022.

The UN DSG was accompanied by India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, and was received by UN Resident Coordinator in India, Shombe Sharpe and other MEA officials, upon her arrival in India.

A warm welcome to @UN Deputy Secretary General @AminaJMohammed as she arrives in New Delhi on an official visit to India. pic.twitter.com/2ZzlPh5BUz

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) July 3, 2023

According to MEA, during the visit, the DSG will hold separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

“The DSG’s visit to India will be an opportunity to exchange views on India’s ongoing G20 presidency and its achievements in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the SDG summit in September this year, and issues related to climate action in context of developmental priorities,” the MEA said.

The DSG will also be travelling to Bengaluru where she will be interacting with experts from premier information and technology research institutions and industry representatives to discuss India’s achievements in the digital technology domain that could be replicated in the Global South for addressing developmental challenges.

“The visit is a reflection of India’s abiding commitment to multilateralism, including through its contribution to the UN and its ongoing G20 Presidency, in addressing global challenges meaningfully,” said MEA statement.

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Indian women peacekeepers arrive in Abyei to begin deployment with UNISFA

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A contingent of Indian women peacekeepers, the country’s largest single unit of female troops in a UN mission since 2007, arrived in Abyei to begin its deployment with the United Nations Interim Security Force.

The United Nations Security Council, by its resolution 1990 of June 27, 2011, responded to the urgent situation in Sudan’s Abyei region by establishing the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

”Making the nation proud! #India’s all-women peacekeeping unit for @UNPeacekeeping in @UNISFA_1 reached Abyei today,” India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said in a tweet Saturday.

The platoon of women peacekeepers has been deployed in Abyei as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA).

This will be India’s largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since it deployed the first-ever all-women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007.

The team will provide relief and assistance to women and children ”in one of the highest operational and challenging terrain conditions under the @UN flag”, the Indian Army had said.

As the Indian women peacekeepers departed India on January 6 to begin their deployment with UNISFA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, ”Proud to see this. India has a tradition of active participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The participation by our Nari Shakti is even more gladdening.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj tweeted earlier this month, ”India is deploying an all #women’s platoon of peacekeepers as part of our battalion to the UN Mission in #Abyei @UNISFA_1. This is the single largest deployment of women #peacekeepers in recent years. Good wishes to the team!” The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 other ranks, is part of an engagement platoon and specialises in community outreach. It will perform extensive security-related tasks as well.

“Their presence will be especially welcome in Abyei, where a recent spurt in violence has triggered a spate of challenging humanitarian concerns for women and children in the conflict zone,” India’s Permanent Mission to the UN had said earlier this month.

In September last year, Kamboj had said in a Security Council briefing on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations that the role of women peacekeepers cannot be over-emphasised in effective peacekeeping. She had underlined that India took pride in having deployed the first-ever all-women peacekeeping contingent in Liberia in 2007, which inspired a whole generation of Liberian women to take part in the country’s security sector. India stands ready to contribute further to the efforts, she said.

The Indian mission noted in the statement that women peacekeepers are “highly regarded” in UN missions throughout the world for their ability to reach out and connect with women and children in local populations, especially victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.

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India deploys platoon of women peacekeepers in UN mission in Abyei

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India, among the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, is deploying a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei, the country’s largest single unit of female Blue Helmets in a UN mission since 2007.

The move heralded India’s intent of increasing significantly the number of women in peacekeeping contingents.

“India is deploying an all #women’s platoon of peacekeepers as part of our battalion to the UN Mission in #Abyei @UNISFA_1. This is the single largest deployment of women #peacekeepers in recent years. Good wishes to the team!” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj tweeted Thursday, along with a photo of the contingent.

India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement that the platoon of women peacekeepers will be deployed in Abyei as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA) on January 6, 2023.

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“This will be India’s largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since we deployed the first-ever all-women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007. It will also herald India’s intent of increasing significantly the number of Indian women in Peacekeeping contingents,” the statement said.

The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 other ranks, will form part of an engagement platoon and specialise in community outreach and will be performing extensive security-related tasks as well. “Their presence will be especially welcome in Abyei, where a recent spurt in violence has triggered a spate of challenging humanitarian concerns for women and children in the conflict zone,” it added.

In September last year, Kamboj had said in a Security Council briefing on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations that the role of women peacekeepers cannot be over-emphasised ineffective peacekeeping.

She had underlined that India took pride in having deployed the first-ever all-women peacekeeping contingent in Liberia in 2007, “which inspired a whole generation of Liberian women to take part in the country’s security sector. We stand ready to contribute further to this regard.” The Indian mission noted in the statement that women peacekeepers are “highly regarded” in UN missions throughout the world for their ability to reach out and connect with women and children in local populations, especially victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.

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“Indian women particularly have a rich tradition in peacekeeping,” the statement said adding that UN’s first Police Adviser Dr Kiran Bedi, United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2019 honoree Major Suman Gawani and Shakti Devi have made a mark for themselves in UN Peacekeeping.   In 2014, Devi of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who was deployed in the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was named the recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award by the UN’s Police Division for her “exceptional achievements” with the UN mission in Afghanistan, including her efforts towards helping victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

“Our teams in the Congo and South Sudan have also done sterling work in mainstreaming women and children into community and social developmental projects at the grassroots level,” the Indian mission said.

The role of the 125-strong women peacekeepers of the Indian Formed Police Unit deployed with the UN mission in Liberia has been lauded for inspiring women in the West African nation to become police officers. Then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had hailed India’s women’s peacekeeping unit in Liberia as an inspiration for all, saying their conduct served as an example of how women can help the world body in its efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

As of October 31, 2022, India is the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with 5887 troops and personnel deployed across 12 missions, after Bangladesh (7,017).

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

International Human Rights Day 2022: History, significance and theme

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Every year, December 10 is marked as International Human Rights Day. The day aims to improve awareness about the importance of human rights and encourage stakeholders to ensure that all people are able to enjoy and exercise their human rights freely. The day traditionally also sees the award of the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights every five years as well as the Nobel Peace Prize.

History

In the immediate wake of WWII, there was a growing clamour for ensuring that the atrocities committed during the conflict would not be repeated. In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which encapsulated the common standard that every country and person should try to achieve in terms of human rights.

Two years later, the first International Human Rights Day was marked in honour of the adoption of the UDHR. Although the UDHR is not a binding or legal document, it marked the start of the global discourse towards improving human rights access to millions across the globe.

Significance 

Human rights and human rights awareness are increasingly important topics in the 21st century with greater awareness of the fact that a person’s race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national and social origin, property, birth and status cannot come in the way of being treated with basic decency.

Human rights cover everything from basic dignity, liberty, and equality to freedoms like the right to life and the prohibition of slavery and torture. As more awareness is spread about these human rights, more stakeholders take an effort to ensure that every human is able to enjoy and receive the rights and freedoms mentioned in the UDHR.

Theme

The theme for International Human Rights Day 2022 has been set as ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,’ in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR on December 10, 2023. The year-long campaign will focus on the universality of the UDHR and how activism associated with it can help people.

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United Nations: CNRI calls for framework of collaborative governance to resolve global crisis

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Net-zero will ensure sustainable future for all: CNRI Secretary General Binod Anand at UN meet New York, United States (NewsVoir) India’s leading non-governmental organisation Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI) at a UN conference made a strong case for developing a global framework of collaborative governance to resolve the global crisis and promote green technologies.

Speaking at Town Hall Meeting with the President of the General Assembly Csaba Korosi with Civil Society here, Secretary General of CNRI, Binod Anand said, it is essential to promote clean energy technologies and energy efficiency solutions.

Anand emphasised that energy efficiency and net zero energy systems will contribute to an affordable, clean, and sustainable future for all.

“We need a framework that prevents harmful chemicals from entering the environment and moves nations and businesses towards effective, safe, and green alternatives,” he said at the UN Conference.

He said that in an era of collaborative governance, cooperation was the key to deal with issues of global significance.

“The Global Challenges are transnational in nature and trans institutional in solution. They cannot be addressed by any government or institution acting alone. They require collaborative action among governments, international organizations, corporations, universities, NGOs, and creative individuals,” he said.

On behalf of United Nations Department of Global Communications, Anand was selected to deliver statement on ‘Solutions through science’.

Anand also cited the example of India’s leading cooperative organization, IFFCO and said it has created a revolution by use of Nanotechnology through a product NANO-UREA.

“It not only saves drudgery of farmers but at the same time eliminates NO2 and ammonia emissions. It has potential to help in meeting the UN Sustainable Goals and help in achieving the objectives of Paris Climate Agreement of limiting Global Warming,” he informed the gathering.

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Anand also spoke at length about the scientific and spiritual achievements of ancient India recalling the contribution of Indian seers to the world of science.

Describing India as the Land of Innovations, Discoveries, Spirituality and Wonders, Anand said, “The best of the scientific solution suggested through treatise Bhagavad Gita has been the universal science of the soul which talks about address all challenges through reconstruction and talks happiness is the end of all our actions.”

“The science that compels us to embrace divinity and divine qualities. All other bodies of knowledge are subject to change, but this body of knowledge contained is timeless – eternal. Yogis through ‘Chittashuddhi’ (Eternal Purity) has taught us to achieve a deep meditative state, sense of eternity and happiness.”

The ancient Indian wisdom and scientific achievements, he added, has helped the world measure the Speed of Light, distance between Sun and earth about the source of the light of Moon, Gravity, and gravitation, about centripetal forces, telegraphy. Through Budhyan theories of Maths to Aryabhatt we have learnt to go beyond all limitations, Brahmagupta theory of finding Zero, planetary positions, he added.

The Mathematical contributions gifted by the Ancient Rishis to the world include Zero, Algebra, Trigonometry, Decimal system and Quadratic formula, Fibonacci Numbers, Length, Weights, Geometry, Infinite Series, BinaryCode, Chakravala The Method Of Algorithm and Encoding, he added.

“With four vedas, 18 Purana, Tantras and various writings of our ancestors we have explored the scientific solutions of all the current challenges the globe is facing today. Our ancestor Chanyaka had written volumes on what we study and practice today as Economics Diplomacy and in Foreign Policy. We have learnt to live with Nature through Acharya Sushruta, and Atomic Theory of Maharshi Kanad,” Anand said.

On behalf of United Nations Department of Global Communications, Anand was selected to deliver his statement on ‘Solutions through science’.

About CNRI Established in 2005, Confederation of NGOs of Rural India or CNRI is the largest platform of NGOs in India as well as in the world. Currently it has over 7000 NGOs members and operates 29 State chapters and 634 District chapters spread across the country. CNRI has been continuously working for Rural Development and implementation of MNREGA and other flagship schemes of Govt. of India at various levels with an aim to make Indian agriculture resurgent and vibrant as well as doubling farmers’ Income.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

European nations agree to boost space spending amid intensifying competition with US, China 

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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European nations agreed on Wednesday to boost their spending on space by 17 percent over coming years as competition intensifies with the United States and China, but failed to come up with a package being sought in talks overshadowed by war in Ukraine.

The European Space Agency said ministers from its 22 member states had agreed to provide 16.9 billion euros for projects from Mars exploration to climate research in 2023-25, up from 14.5 billion euros in the previous triennial budget period.

“This gives Europe the political, scientific and financial means to reinforce its space sovereignty between the United States and China,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said after hosting a ritual bartering round held every three years.

Paris-based ESA had asked its 22 nations to come up with 18.5 billion euros ($19.06 billion) to fund rocket launches, satellites and Europe’s participation in planetary research.

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ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher hailed the resulting extra 2.4 billion euros of pledges as a significant achievement given troubled economies, and said programmes would be adjusted but not dropped to meet the gap with the 4 billion ESA wanted.

“We will have to see what may be done and what may not be done at the same scale as was planned before,” he said.

A delegate from a major contributing country had earlier indicated that the pot may be smaller than anticipated after side talks dragged late into Tuesday evening.

“We are getting there; the total is coming up nicely. It may not get all the way there but (we) will be close,” he said.

Germany, which since 2019 has been ESA’s biggest financial backer ahead of France, dug its heels in over aspects of the proposed increase as talks ran long, another delegate said.

A key last-minute stumbling block was the detailed funding of Europe’s Ariane and Vega rocket launch network.

ESA, whose Ariane rocket pioneered commercial launches but now faces intense competition from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is seeking to maintain a key role in space while balancing political constraints of its large and small nations.

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The funding exercise in a hangar-like temporary conference centre near the Eiffel Tower involved back-to-back rounds in which nations chipped in to areas like exploration or Earth observation in return for industrial work.

Ministers and officials took their horse-trading into a dinner reception at the Paris Opera on Tuesday and then into the night as several nations organised “splinter meetings”.

Small countries were seen as making painful efforts to come up with budgets guaranteeing new skilled jobs under ESA’s quid-pro-quo “fair return” system as the deadline neared for a deal.

“Every figure is committing nations; it is not just an Excel spreadsheet,” a person familiar with the talks said.

In a joint declaration on Tuesday, Europe’s big three space launch nations – France, Germany and Italy – opened the door to a new generation of micro launchers and a future review of funding rules in the face of U.S. and Chinese space ambitions.

ESA Director General Josef Ashbacher said the politically significant move had “unlocked” negotiations in other areas.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow