The Space Law Conference, which follows a series of 15 annual Conferences and Workshops, is organized virtually from Vienna from 28-30 November 2023
International and regional cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space helps to bring the benefits of space technology applications to a wide circle of stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, and to intensify and diversify national space programmes. Policy and regulatory frameworks at the national, regional and international levels are of paramount importance for providing the necessary basis for States, particularly developing countries, to meet development goals and address challenges to sustainable development. In this connection, it is necessary to continue to strengthen the linkages between international space law and the conduct of space activities.
The following main areas will be addressed:
As a general background, each year, in its resolutions on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, the General Assembly reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in developing the rule of international law, including the relevant norms of international space law and their important role in international cooperation for the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, and of the widest possible adherence to international treaties that promote the peaceful uses of outer space in order to meet emerging new challenges, especially for developing countries. The Assembly recognizes that all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, should contribute actively to the prevention of an arms race in outer space with a view to promoting and strengthening international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
In today's world, where the number of actors that engage in space activities increases every day, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that all actors comply with the requirements of international space law in developing international and regional space cooperation.
The successful implementation and application of the international legal framework governing space activities depend on the understanding and acceptance of that framework by policymakers and decision makers. The availability of professionals who can provide suitable legal advice and disseminate information and knowledge about space law, in particular in developing countries, depends on the availability of adequate education opportunities in space law and policy.
This Conference will be held in order to promote adherence to the five United Nations treaties on outer space and to assist States in building their capacity in space law, and thus help them to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
The objectives of the Conference are to:
Consider trends in and challenges to international space law;
Discuss novel areas in international space law and policy and governance of outer space activities;
Consider mechanisms for increasing regional and international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space;
The Conference will be structured by considering Articles I-XII of the Outer Space Treaty and the legal implications of current and future space activities. The Conference will mainly comprise presentations followed by questions and answers.
Dates: The Conference will be held from 28-30 November 2023
Venue: The Conference will take place online via MS Teams
Speakers at the Conference are requested to deliver an oral presentation via WebEX
Presentations made at the Conference will be published on the website of the Office for Outer Space Affairs ( www.unoosa.org) before the Conference to facilitate engagement of participants. Videos of the presentations will be made available to the participants via an online platform after the end of the Conference.
The Conference is envisioned to reach more than 200 participants. It addresses members of the diplomatic community, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and institutions focusing on space law and policy, policy-and-decision makers, senior experts, legal professionals and practitioners, and university educators, in particular, from developing countries.
Representatives from United Nations Member States will be invited to the Symposium, together with representatives of various United Nations entities and other international organizations, with the objective of fostering dialogue not only between policy-makers, but also with the private sector and end users.
The Office is committed to achieve 50/50 gender balance in its programmes and ensuring a balanced representation from different perspectives. Women are encouraged to apply.
Registration for the Conference is open until 24 November 2023!, - Register here through this form.
For information regarding the organization and registration of the Conference, please contact:
Mr. Michael Newman
Office for Outer Space Affairs
unoosa-spacelaw@un.org
The working language of the Conference will be English.