United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

Apply Now   (Deadline has already passed)

• Submission deadline for applicants  requesting funding:  17 February 2019 (Please note that application deadline for participants requesting funding has already passed.  )
• Submission deadline for applicants  on a self-funded basis:  14 April 2019.  Please note that after you finish the online application form (click the above link, "Apply Now", for the form) you will automatically receive the Signature Page, the Questionnaire and the Abstract template.  The Signature Page, the Questionnaire, and the Abstract should be submitted before deadlines. Only complete applications will be considered. Deadline has already passed. No more applications will be be accepted.
• Qualified persons based in China may contact the China National Space Administration so their participation may be considered by the Local Organizing Committee. The focal points for CNSA are: Ms. Hui Jiang (  jiangh[@]cnsa.gov.cn)  and Mr. Fengyu Wang ( iwangfengyu[@]icloud.com).

Information for Participants

• Information Note
• Useful Information for Participants
• Detailed Programme and Presentations (Please click titles of presentations inside the document to get them) 
  

Video of the Forum (New)

A short video of the Forum was made. Click to watch it.

Quiz on the SDGs

A quiz is prepared to gather some information on the SDGs. The result will be used as the basis of discussion during the high level panel.

If you are interested, please access the quiz through the following link:

https://tinyurl.com/UNChinaForum2019

Venue

The Forum will be held at Wanda Vista Changsha (长沙万达文华酒店).

Add: 308 Xiangjiang Middle Road, Section 1, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China 

Tel: +86 (731) 8800 8888

http://wandavistachangsha.com/

Logo

A dedicated logo for the UN/China Forum has been designed.

The logo is a superposition of double "S" (Space, Solution), which symbolizes the universal law of interrelationship and interdependence of things. The white color background means intercommunication. The main figure is similar to the number symbol "8", signifying the infinite imagniation and creativity of space exploration. The middle ring highlights internationalism. 

Background

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda) is the boldest agenda for humanity and the most ambitious anti-poverty, pro-planet agenda ever adopted by the United Nations. Countries, especially developing countries, are in great need of innovative approaches and partnerships to facilitate their progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 17, which reads "Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development", recognizes multi-stakeholder partnerships as important vehicles for mobilizing and sharing knowledge, expertise, technologies and financial resources to support the achievement of the SDGs in all countries, particularly developing countries. SDG 17 further seeks to encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

It is generally accepted that space activities, technologies and applications, as innovative approaches, can help countries achieve the SDGs and comply with commitments taken within UN conventions. However, the importance of space has not been fully recognized by the international community and the potential of it has not been fully unlocked for sustainable development.

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), at its 60 ^th session in 2017, acknowledged the significant role of space science and technology applications in the implementation of the 3 global development frameworks adopted in 2015: the 2030 Agenda, in particular the Sustainable Development Goals; the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030; and the Paris Agreement on climate change. COPUOS further agreed that UNOOSA should explore various means to raise awareness of the benefits of space-based solutions, and encouraged the building of stronger partnerships, cooperation and coordination, including with industry and the private sector.  

The draft resolution of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50), endorsed by the High-level Segment of UNISPACE+50 in June 2018 and to be adopted by the General Assembly, emphasized the need to build stronger partnerships at all levels in order to enhance the contribution of space activities for the realization of the 2030 Agenda, invited COPUOS to develop a "Space2030" agenda and implementation plan, and acknowledged the importance of a global partnership and strengthened cooperation among Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and private sector entities in fulfilling the "Space2030" agenda and its implementation plan. The 61 ^st session of COPUOS agreed to the establishment of a working group under a new agenda item "Space2030" agenda.

UNOOSA, in its capacity as the secretariat of COPUOS and with its unique mandate in promoting international space cooperation and space capacity building, is determined to help countries, in particular developing countries, achieve the SDGs, and is making efforts to be ready for the implementation of the "Space2030" agenda by forging partnerships with and among multi-stakeholders.

The United Nations/Austria Symposium on Space for the Sustainable Development Goals  (September 2018) and the United Nations/Germany High-Level Forum "the way forward after UNISPACE+50 and on Space2030"(November 2018) offer general recommendations on space for the SDGs. The UN/China Forum on Space for the Sustainable Development Goals will build on these recommendations and bring together space solutions providers and countries to build partnerships for the SDGs.

As one of the follow-up actions to the Declaration of Intent to cooperate on the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor  between the United Nations, represented by the Office for Outer Space Affairs and the China National Space Administration, the Forum will also contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit countries along the Belt and Road. (For further information on the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor, please refer to a technical presentation  made during the 55th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, COPUOS)

While the Forum is co-organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the China National Space Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China is also supporting the organization of the Forum.

Objectives

The main objective of the UN/China Forum is to bring together space application users and solution providers to forge new partnerships, enhance international space cooperation and thus contribute to the attainment of the SDGs. Specific objectives are:

• Overviewing the current status and future trends of space contributing to the SDGs;
• Contributing to identifying Member States' needs for space, space solutions for the SDGs, and gaps between needs and solutions;
• Enhancing existing partnerships and building new partnerships among multi-stakeholders and contributing directly to SDG 17;
• Contributing to the building-up of the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor;
• Promoting the important role of space for the SDGs.

Preliminary programme

The Forum programme will include plenary sessions, special sessions and match-making events. Themes to be discussed will be related to space solutions contributing to the realization of the SDGs.

Thematic sessions will be devoted to:

• Challenges and opportunities of attaining the SDGs;
• Countries' needs of space science, technology and applications towards the achievement of the SDGs;
• The contribution of space science, technology and applications to the achievement of the SDGs;
• Enhancing international space cooperation for the SDGs;
• Best practices in space for the SDGs;
• Space law and policy for the SDGs;
• Small satellites and the SDGs;
• Cooperation on the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor.

* Match-making events and an exhibition will be held to further promote space solutions for the SDGs, and enhance cooperation between solution provides and uesers. (Further details to come.)

* A half day technical visit/cultural visit will be arranged by the Local Organizing Committee. (Further details to come.)

Please check this website regularly for updated information. 

Exhibition

An exhibition will be organized by the Local Organizers in conjunction with the Forum. Information about the exhibition can be found at the webpage of CNSA. 

Side Event "The 1st SG[China]"

The 1st SG[China] is proposed by Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) to be held in conjunction with the United Nations/China Forum on Space Solutions in Changsha, China on the 23rd of April 2019. By providing a platform specifically targeting the young generation (18-35 years-old), students and young professionals can share their perspectives to those contemporary issues, provide valuable input to address the challenges and build a professional network. SGAC also intends to leverage this event to establish collaborative relationships with Chinese partners to create a sustainable synergy for future collaboration. Through the 1st SG[China], participants and sponsors/supporters can also be introduced to SGAC's global community and its various opportunities around the world.

Details can be found via:  https://spacegeneration.org/event/sgchina-2 

Sponsorship of the Forum

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) are co-sponsors of the Forum.

Sponsorship of the Forum is open to other interested entities. Interested entities can contact the focal points of the Local Organizing Committee for further information. Please find the contact information at the bottom of this document. 

Working language

The working language of the Forum will be English. 

Expected Participants

The Forum is being planned for approximately 300 participants including scientists, engineers, university educators, policy-and-decision makers, and senior experts from the following groups: international, regional, national and local institutions, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research and development institutions, industry and the private sector. 

Participation requirements, posters and presentations

Participants should have decision-making responsibilities within governmental agencies, national or regional institutions, intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations or industry and the private sector. Applications from equally qualified women are particularly encouraged.

Designated participants will have the opportunity to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 - 20 minutes on topics relevant to the Forum objectives. In addition, they are expected to contribute to reporting activities of the Forum. It is also necessary to submit an abstract of presentation with a maximum of 600 words including the following details: p resentation title, author (s) name(s), affiliation(s), and e-mail address for the presenting author.

Presentations made at the Forum will be published on the website of the Office for Outer Space Affairs approximately two weeks after the Forum is concluded.

Financial support

Within the limited financial resources available, a number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the Forum. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip airticket - most economic fare - between an airport of international departure in their home country and an airport close to the Forum's venue) and/or the room and board expenses for the duration of the Forum. The co-sponsors of the Forum will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. 

Deadline for Submission of Applications and Abstracts

For those seeking financial support - the completed application form together with the presentation abstract should be submitted online no later than Sunday, 17 February 2019. Only complete applications with all the requested information and signatures will be considered by the Programme Committee.

For self-funded participants - the completed application form together with the requested information should be submitted online no later than Sunday, 14 April 2019. 

Life and Health Insurance

Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or his/her institution or Government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidents. 

Contact Information

For additional information on the programme, attendance and potential funding, please contact:

Mr. Hui Du, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (  hui.du[@]un.org)

Mr. Christopher Sto. Domingo, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs ( christopher.sto.domingo[@]un.org ) 

For the exhibition, sponsorship of the Forum and others, please contact the focal points of the Local Organizing Committee (to be confirmed by CNSA):

Mr. Fengyu Wang, China National Space Administration ( iwangfengyu[@]icloud.com)

Ms. Hui Jiang, China National Space Administration ( jiangh[@]cnsa.gov.cn)