00:00Do you want to start first?
00:02Oh, just an introduction, yes.
00:04Thank you for your question.
00:05So, good morning, everybody.
00:07So, why Philippines?
00:09Indeed, the International Space Forum is a unique space platform for dialogue,
00:18but a regional dialogue to promote space technology and related applications and services.
00:29And so, this initiative was created in 2016 jointly by International Astronautical Federation and the Italian Space Agency.
00:42And we organized seven editions of the forum in different regions of the world.
00:53And this year in Manila, Philippines. Why?
00:57Because, indeed, IF had several relations and contact with South Asia countries.
01:10And we discussed with other countries of the region in the last two years.
01:16But last year, and this year in particular, the Philippines Space Agency offered us the hospitality of the forum.
01:28So, we had a sort of friendly competition.
01:33And so, again, IF accepted the candidacy of the Philippines Space Agency.
01:41And, okay, now we are here together and we are very happy.
01:45And we thank the Philippines Space Agency and you today.
01:51Please.
01:53Just to add to what Gabriella said, the Philippines Space Agency became a member of the International Astronautical Federation last year only.
02:02And then, when we learned about this opportunity through our Embassy first.
02:20exhibition, the Moon to Mars exhibit, which we did earlier this year.
02:25So this sorts of build into this, or lead to where we are now.
02:30We learned about the opportunity to host the International Space Forum.
02:34We raised our hand. We said, yes, we want to do it.
02:38Why? Because this is a very timely opportunity for us.
02:43The Philippines Space Agency is celebrating six years, so we are very young.
02:49But we are given the opportunity to have this voice in the region,
02:56to share what we are doing here at the Philippines for our space programs.
03:02So this platform will amplify that voice.
03:06We are also active in the ASEAN through our Subcommittee on Space Technology Applications.
03:13And as Gabriella said, we are all friends among the ASEAN member states.
03:19The space agencies, space offices, and organizations with space activities among ASEAN member states have a tight community.
03:29We are like family.
03:31So when given this opportunity to host this meeting, we are confident that we will get the support of the ASEAN member states.
03:39And we are ready.
03:41We are also hosting, as you know, we are chairing ASEAN next year.
03:46So having this international space forum here now will help build the momentum for next year's chairship of the Tuning Peace.
03:58And I'll see you soon.
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