Henrik Smith, Head of the Canadian delegation participating in the 39th Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee Meeting, has praised the UAE’s hosting of the event as a testament to its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the meeting, Smith said that the Cospas-Sarsat Programme is a leading global platform dedicated to saving lives. It operates through an integrated satellite-based system that detects and relays distress signals in real time, thereby supporting humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations carried out by specialised authorities around the world.

He added that the 39th meeting plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the programme’s operations. The system is currently linked to around 70 satellites, 130 ground stations and 30 control centres. Search and rescue missions executed through Cospas-Sarsat result in the saving of approximately 3,000 lives annually.

“We are here in the UAE today with a shared humanitarian goal of saving lives,” he said, “and we look forward to working together to achieve further progress and enhance our performance, enabling us to carry out our missions more swiftly and accurately.”

Smith also expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its warm hospitality and generous reception, highlighting the country's dedication to providing an ideal environment for all participating delegations.

The meeting holds particular significance as it is taking place in the UAE for the first time. Since joining the organisation in 2009, the country has contributed to the advancement of the Cospas-Sarsat system, which comprises nearly 45 member states, by applying the highest international standards in search and rescue operations.