The Eighth Arab Conference of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy
Theme: Physics, Astronomy, and Space Sciences in the Service of Arab and Islamic Communities
Location: Djerba, Tunisia
Dates: March 20-23, 2007
Overview
The Arab Union for Space and Astronomy, in collaboration with the Youth and Science Association in Tunisia (Djerba branch) and with participation from the European Space Agency (ESA), organized the Eighth Arab Conference in the Vincci Resort, Djerba, Tunisia. The conference brought together over 120 scientists, researchers, specialists, enthusiasts, and students from various Arab countries, as well as international participants. More than 50 research papers and lectures were presented across 12 scientific sessions, including the opening and closing ceremonies over four days.
Key Points and Recommendations
1. Acknowledgement of Tunisian Hospitality:
– The conference appreciated Tunisia’s pioneering role in hosting and supporting astronomers and researchers from the Arab world and beyond, acknowledging the hospitality and efforts by the Tunisian Youth and Science Association in Djerba.
2. Future Conferences:
– The location for the Ninth Arab Conference on Space and Astronomy is under consideration, with Algeria as a potential host. Dr. Jamal Maimouni was tasked with exploring this possibility.
3. Educational Integration:
– The conference recommended the President of the Union coordinate with relevant Arab ministers (Education, Culture, Higher Education) to propose the inclusion of space and astronomy curricula at various educational levels to instill cosmic concepts in students.
4. Arab Space Agency:
– The proposal to establish an Arab Space Agency was reiterated. A committee consisting of:
– Prof. Hamid Majul Al-Nuaimi (Iraq)
– Prof. Shouqi Al-Dallal (Bahrain)
– Prof. Muslim Shaltout (Egypt)
– Eng. Khalil Qunsul (Jordan)
This committee will prepare a working paper to be presented to the Secretary-General of the Arab League during the Third Space Conference in Alexandria in October 2007.
5. Database and Documentation:
– The conference emphasized the continuation of building a database for individuals and institutions involved in space and astronomy in the Arab world.
– A comprehensive inventory of documents, manuscripts, artifacts, and publications in the Arab and Islamic world, and globally, should be compiled into a useful guide for researchers.
6. Arab Postal Union:
– The conference proposed addressing the Arab Postal Union to issue a series of stamps featuring Arab and Muslim scientists in the field of astronomy to highlight their contributions.
7. Syrian Initiative:
– The conference commended Syria, represented by the Syrian Youth Union, for hosting the First World Astronomy Meeting for Young Amateur Astronomers.
8. Astronomical Observatories:
– The importance of establishing optical and radio astronomical observatories in the Arab world was highlighted, with an emphasis on connecting them to international observation networks.
9. Future International Conference:
– The conference recommended organizing the International Conference on the History of Sciences among Arabs and Muslims in Sharjah, UAE, from March 25-27, 2008.
10. Workshops and Financial Sustainability:
– It was suggested to organize astronomical workshops as a source of revenue for the Union and to promote practical astronomical culture among youth, starting with a workshop during the Sharjah conference in 2008.
11. Scholarships and Financial Support:
– Efforts should be made to secure financial sources for scholarships for students pursuing higher studies in space and astronomy.
– A financial fund for the Union was proposed to support its projects and scientific activities, with a committee to draft its internal regulations.
12. Online Presence:
– The Union’s website should be updated regularly.
– An annual Arab Astronomy Day was proposed, with the date to be determined later.
High Council Members Present
– Prof. Hamid Majul Al-Nuaimi (Iraq/UAE) – President of the Union
– Eng. Khalil Qunsul (Jordan) – Secretary-General of the Union
– Prof. Shouqi Al-Dallal (Bahrain) – Vice President for Scientific Affairs
– Prof. Jamal Maimouni (Algeria)
– Prof. Nour Eddine Najid (Morocco)
– Ms. Mona Ahmed Saleh Anbar (Kuwait)
– Mr. Fouad Anan (Tunisia) – Vice President for Conferences
– Dr. Hanna Sabbat (Jordan) – Financial Secretary of the Union