Press Release – International Moon Day 2026: Moon Village Association Selects Bogotá, Colombia to Host Flagship Main Event
Vienna, Austria –April, 2026
The Moon Village Association (MVA), a non-governmental organization promoting international collaboration for the development of the lunar economy, is pleased to announce that the flagship International Moon Day (IMD) Main Event 2026 will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, at the Maloka Museo Interactivo.
Celebrated globally each year on 20 July, International Moon Day marks the anniversary of humanity’s first landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. The 2026 Main Event will bring together representatives from the space sector, academia, industry, policymakers, students, and the wider public for a dynamic program of discussions, educational activities, and cultural initiatives focused on sustainable lunar exploration and international cooperation.
Located in the heart of Colombia’s capital, Maloka Museo Interactivo is one of Latin America’s leading science and technology centers. Its interactive and inclusive approach to science communication makes it an ideal venue to inspire diverse audiences and engage the next generation in lunar exploration and space-related innovation.
The event is being organized by the MVA National Coordinator in Colombia, Francisco Forero, in collaboration with a dedicated team from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, alongside national and international partners.
“The organization of this event is an important development for Colombia and for Latin America as it will act as platform to discuss the role of those countries in the lunar exploration and utilization” said MVA President, Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi.
“Hosting the International Moon Day Main Event in Colombia highlights the growing role of Latin America in global space activities,” mentioned Dr. Dorin Prunariu, Co-Chair of International Moon Day. “Events like this help inspire new generations and strengthen international cooperation as humanity prepares for a sustainable return to the Moon.”
“The IMD Main Event is conceived as a distinguished platform for reflection and collaboration, where Ibero-America engages meaningfully with lunar exploration while showcasing its capabilities and ambitions to the world. It also stands as a space to reconnect with our shared humanity, emphasizing the significance of exploring the Moon not only as a scientific and technological endeavor, but as a profoundly human one.” said Francisco Forero, MVA National Coordinator in Colombia and Lead of the IMD 2026 Main Event in Colombia.
By hosting the 2026 Main Event in Colombia, the Moon Village Association continues its commitment to rotating the flagship celebration across regions, highlighting the truly global nature of lunar exploration. Following previous Main Events in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, the 2026 edition underscores the growing engagement of Latin America in space activities and international cooperation.
In addition to the Main Event in Bogotá, International Moon Day 2026 is expected to be celebrated through dozens of affiliated Global Events across all continents. Universities, schools, space agencies, research institutions, museums, companies, and community organizations are invited to organize their own IMD Global Events and join the worldwide celebration.
For more information about hosting an International Moon Day Global Event, please visit:
ENDS
About the Moon Village Association
The Moon Village Association (MVA) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Vienna, founded in 2017. Its goal is the creation of a permanent global informal forum for stakeholders like governments, industry, academia and the general public interested in the development of the Moon Village. The MVA is the assembling of all efforts from private industry, governments and others aimed to explore and use the Moon in a sustainable manner. The MVA fosters cooperation for existing or planned Moon exploration programs, be they public or private initiatives. It comprises more than 800 participants to MVA activities and 27 institutional members from more than 60 countries, representing a diverse array of technical, scientific, cultural and interdisciplinary fields. The MVA partners with non-space organizations to promote international discussions and formulation of plans to foster the development of the Moon Village, and is creating international, national and regional networks to engage civil society around the world. The Moon Village Association’s mission is unique, bridging together both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations offering them the opportunity to play a role in its realization. There is no other organization on the international scene having such a mission.
About Maloka
Maloka is an interactive science and technology center based in Bogotá, Colombia. Established in 1998, Maloka serves as a leading institution for science communication and public engagement in Latin America, promoting curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among diverse audiences.
Through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and large-scale events, Maloka connects science, innovation, and society, fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and the general public. Its facilities include interactive exhibition halls, auditoriums, and spaces designed to host conferences, workshops, and cultural activities.
Maloka plays a key role in strengthening scientific culture in Colombia, supporting initiatives that inspire new generations and encourage interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
Contact
For general inquiries, participation, partnerships, or to explore opportunities to support the International Moon Day 2026 Main Event in Colombia, please contact:
Francisco Forero
MVA National Coordinator in Colombia and Lead of the IMD 2026 Main Event in Colombia
Email: gro.y1775838974adnoo1775838974mlano1775838974itanr1775838974etni@17758389746202a1775838974togob1775838974
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