International Moon Day 2025; July 20th.

FORUM: ‘‘The first human footprints on the moon.’’ International Moon Day 2025. For thousands of years, human civilizations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon – our only natural satellite. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in our understanding of our celestial companion. With the birth of space activities, the Moon became the ultimate destination of countless missions, including crewed flights that brought the first human footprints to another place in the universe. As Moon exploration efforts continue taking shape with ambitious plans, this global celebration will serve not only as a reminder of success in the past, but as an annual testimony to future endeavours. The International Moon Day is a good opportunity to educate the public, promote and raise awareness on the status and prospects for humanity. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalMoonDay, #lunarbeauty, #20july, #firstlandingonmoon, #Themoon, #spacescience, #moonphases, #sustainablemoonexploration.

EVENTS: On Sunday July 20th, the United Nations General Assembly with the United Nations Office of the Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) will host a virtual event to celebrate the International Moon Day 2025 and the 56 years since Apollo 11 moon landing at the United Nations Headquarters. Join us to mark the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission. Register to participate!

On July 20th, 2025 In the UEA, the global celebration will take place at the University of Dubai. This flagship event entitled “One Moon, One Vision, One Future.” organized by the Moon Village Association in partnership with the University of Dubai, will bring together international space leaders, astronauts, students, and innovators to inspire dialogue and collaboration around lunar exploration. 

Join us for the global celebration of International Moon Day 2025, taking place at the University of Dubai on July 20th. This flagship event, organized by the Moon Village Association in partnership with the University of Dubai, will bring together international space leaders, astronauts, students, and innovators to inspire dialogue and collaboration around lunar exploration.

Agenda Programme

Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Sara Alessa
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening 

- Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai

- Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the Moon Village Association
Greetings by

- Mr. Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
- Prof. Wu Weiren, Director General, Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL)
- Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- Prof. Teodoro Valente, President, Italian Space Agency (ASI)
9:30 AM- 10:20 AM | Key Notes

- Dr. Nasr Alsahaf, Chairman, International Moon Day (IMD)
- HE Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of Youth, Astronaut, (TBC)
- Mr. John C. Mankins, CEO, Mankins Space Technologies Inc.
- Mr. Atsushi Saiki, Executive Fellow, ispace, inc.
10:20 AM – 10:50 AM | Emirates Lunar Mission
Session Speaker: Eng. Amna Khalifa Busoud; Rover Design and Mobility Lead, Emirates Lunar Mission
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM | Networking and Refreshments Break

Exhibition Area: Displays from space organizations (MBRSC, UAE Space Agency, private space startups)
Student project displays showcasing lunar concepts, models, and innovations (this has to be announced and worked out in advance and presented during the celebration)
11:10 M – 11:20 AM | “Lunar Governance – industry perspective” – Fireside chat with Mr. Mike Gold and Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi

Discussion on Lunar Governance between Mr. Mike Gold, President, Civil and International Space at Redwire and Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, President, Moon Village Association.
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Expert Panel Session 1: “Moonshots: Innovation & Lunar Markets”

Panel of space experts, entrepreneurs and industry discussing innovation opportunities, space startups, and commercial programs opening new lunar markets

Moderator: 

Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri, Director, Center of Future Studies

Mr. Satoru Kurosu, Yokogawa Electric & MVA
Ms. Fatima Al Khateri, Director of Sharjah Astronomical Planetarium Department at SAASST
Mr. Serdar Baycan, Solar Space Technologies

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Student Recognition & Awards Ceremony
Celebrate winners of competitions, award certificates, trophies, and announce special recognitions.

Short speech by distinguished guests acknowledging students’ creativity and enthusiasm.
UAE Mission Moonlight 2050 Challenge: Students must design a moonbase for UAE settlement on the moon by 2050, using digital arts and generative AI tools. The challenge will be announced before the event and winners will be invited to come present their designs and will be recognized during the event.
Presentation and Recognizing the UAE team winner of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Panel Session 2: Lunar Governance: Challenges and Opportunities

This panel explores the challenges and opportunities for coordination and cooperation of lunar activities, including the Artemis and ILRS programmes. Considering the increasing number of stakeholders involved in lunar missions and the lack of definition of the existing space treaties, new way to define lunar governance are required at the level of the United Nations.

Moderator: 

- Mr. Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

- Prof. Scott Pace, Professor of Practice of International Affairs, George Washington University
- Ms. Ulpia-Elena Botezatu, Co-Chair, UN Action Team on Lunar Consultation Activities (ATLAC)
- Eng. Hoor Al Mazmi, Senior Researcher, Space Science, UAE Space Agency
- Prof. Ilias Fernini, College of Science, UAE University

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Closing Remarks by Dr. Eesa Bastaki and Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi

Announcements
Final thoughts and invitation to participants for future involvement in space initiatives.
Networking and photo opportunities with guests, speakers, astronauts, and student participants.

LIVESTREAM: July 20th conference in University of Dubai.

The Main Event will be Live Streamed. The Live Stream starts at 9:00 AM Dubai Time.

Explore the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!

Worldwide Activities: 
July 20 to July 24, starting at 17:00 ending at 18:30 will be held the IMD-25 Moon Day and Moon Workshop at the Al-Qebliya School Cultural Center and Kuwait National Planetarium, Kuwait Al Ma'arri St, Kuwait City.

On July 21th, from 14:00 - 17:00 will be held the International Moon Day Space Exploration workshop in Nanjing ILEWG NUAA at the NUAA Nanjing Aerospace University, China Nanjing.

On July 21th, from 10:00 - 10:30 will be held a virtual event to mark the International Moon Day from ExoSpaceHab Express Moon Base from France - Online

On July 21th, from 10:30 - 13:00; you are invited to participate to the panel discussion entitled ‘‘Understanding Moon through Demonstrations’ at Regional Science Centre and Planetarium, Calicut, Kerala, India Jafferkhan Colony, Calicut.

 Explore the Map and full list of upcoming events.