VIENNA: Saudi Arabia has been elected first vice-chair of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, a senior leadership position that underscores the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global sector and international governance.

The COPUOS appointment was announced during the committee’s latest session in Vienna, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The role will be filled by Muryah Al-Shahrani, general manager of Space Systems and Infrastructure at the Saudi Space Agency.