Meeting Between the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Nikolay Pavlov, and the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Ms Aarti Holla-Maini
07 August 2025 News
On 7 August 2025, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikolay Pavlov hosted Ms Aarti Holla‑Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia.
Ms Aarti Holla-Maini has served as Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, headquartered in Vienna, since 2023. The Office coordinates international efforts in the field of space activities and plays a key role in implementing United Nations programmes relating to the peaceful use of outer space, the registration of objects launched into orbit, and the maintenance of dialogue among States within the framework of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
The meeting was attended by Professor Dr Georgi Angelov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth, Ms Mira Yosifova, Director of the “Policies and Analysis” Directorate at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, and Ms Vanya Buchova, Chief Programme Director at EnduroSat – a Bulgarian space company specialising in nanosatellite development, satellite infrastructure, and space mission software
The parties explored opportunities to deepen cooperation between Bulgaria and UNOOSA, especially in light of Bulgaria’s growing role within international endeavours for the peaceful use of space, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the broader vision for inclusive and equitable use of outer space
Deputy Minister Nikolay Pavlov highlighted Bulgaria’s longstanding tradition in space exploration and its ambition to develop a competitive space sector through support for industry, academia, and emerging talents. He emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding international cooperation – particularly with the European Space Agency and the UN – and implementing high-value projects. Deputy Minister Pavlov voiced strong support for UNOOSA’s work, affirming Bulgaria’s active participation in the COPUOS (UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) and welcoming the proposal to include the theme “dark and quiet skies” in the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee’s agenda. He also announced Bulgaria’s backing for hosting UNISPACE IV in Vienna in 2027 and celebrated the successful orbital launch of the “Balkan-1” satellite, developed by EnduroSat. The role of initiatives such as the science festival “HELLO, SPACE! Bulgaria Calling!” in inspiring the next generation of researchers was also noted.
Deputy Minister Angelov underlined that the Ministry of Innovation and Growth is deeply engaged in space-related matters, serving as the country’s principal point of contact in this field. He noted that space and security have been incorporated as the sixth pillar of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy. He expressed confidence that Bulgaria could work closely with UNOOSA in the context of developing a national space strategy, on which active work is already underway, and highlighted the country’s efforts towards attaining associate membership of the European Space Agency.
Director Holla-Maini highlighted Bulgaria’s impressive progress in the space sector, describing the country as a “hidden gem” within the international space community. She highly commended the contributions of the private sector and the academic community, citing as examples the company EnduroSat and the practical educational programme in technology and research Space Challenges, as a successful combination of education, innovation, and international cooperation.
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