United Nations/Austria World Space Forum 2023
"Space 4 Our Common Future"
Vienna International Centre (VIC), Vienna, Austria, 12 - 14 December 2023
Organized jointly by
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs,
The Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK),
The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA)
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- World Space Forum 2023 Programme
#WSF2023 | Background
Global warming, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, pollution - the situation regarding the health of our planet is as serious as it is complex. Major global shocks have shown our vulnerability and set back the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The global community noticed that our collective problem-solving mechanisms do not match the pace or scale of the challenges we face. Today's complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing world requires a more effective multilateral system and strong inclusion of effective innovative tools.
The Summit of the Future in 2024 was proposed as an opportunity to agree on multilateral solutions for a better future and to strengthen global governance for both present and future generations (A/RES/76/307). To prepare for the Summit, Member States asked the Secretary-General of the United Nations to come up with action-oriented recommendations, building on the proposals in his report, Our Common Agenda (A/75/982).
At the Summit of the Future 2024, from 22-23 September 2024, Member States will commit to adopt a Pact for the Future to consolidate collective agreements and to demonstrate global solidarity for present and future generations.
In support of the Common Agenda and the Summit of the Future process, the Secretary-General was invited to issue a set of Policy Briefs which will include an analysis of the impact of the proposals on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. They will be based on the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, with gender equality as a cross-cutting theme.
#WSF2023 | Setting the Stage
The World Space Forum event series aims at strengthening partnerships and promoting ongoing dialogue among the global community on a wide range of space issues to facilitate socioeconomic sustainable development. The Forum promotes the implementation of the "Space2030" Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development and its implementation plan" adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 76/3 through the broad involvement of all relevant space actors.
The World Space Forum 2023 provides an opportunity to draw attention to space solutions that will effectively support the areas mentioned in the various Policy Briefs leading to the Summit of the Future. In addition, it will provide a set of practical recommendations to maximize the opportunities space solutions offer as input for the Summit of the Future 2024 and the Pact of the Future.
#WSF2023 | Objectives
The World Space Forum 2023 aims to:
- Reaffirm and strengthen the contribution of space activities and space tools for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Promote international and public-private partnerships for the development of a sustainable, future-oriented and strong space environment;
- Address the need to improve existing communication approaches on the benefits of outer space technology and its applications;
- Involve young people, as future space leaders, to address issues of importance for future generations;
- Foster dialogue and close cooperation for developing a common space vision;
- Put "Space2030" agenda in the centre as a guiding document to enhance space-derived economic benefits and strengthen the role of the space sector as a major driver for sustainable development;
- Bring space actors together to exchange best practices and explore ways to jointly address challenges to humanity and sustainable development issues.
#WSF2023 | Who is it for?
The WORLD SPACE FORUM brings together experts and policymakers from regional, national and local institutions, private organizations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Such multi-stakeholder composition allows for a truly inclusive, diverse and multilateral dialogue around the four pillars of space economy, space society, space accessibility and space diplomacy.
The organizers strive to support gender mainstreaming in their programmes and are committed to achieving a balanced representation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
#WSF2023 | Sessions overview |
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Sessions |
Description |
Potential topics can include |
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Session I:
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Recent crises have shown the importance of clear and evidence-based information. With the facts on the table and science constantly revealing new interconnections, the question is how we can move from knowledge to action. How can we encourage the use of data and information (from space)? Successful communication is not only necessary to ensure the effectiveness of policies, but also to strengthen trust in policies. |
Topics: Space for Storytelling, Space Science Communication |
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Session II:
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Earth observation systems and satellite navigation technologies provide indispensable tools and can effectively contribute to improve people's lives, to enhance the preparedness for and mitigation of the consequences of disasters. This session will explore the contribution of space applications and space solutions to the international response of future complex global shocks as defined in the respective Policy Brief. |
Topics: Space for Disaster Preparedness, Prediction, Informed Decision making |
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Session III:
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It has been proposed that the United Nations, Governments, the private sector and civil society could come together as a multi-stakeholder digital technology track in preparation for the Summit of the Future to agree on a Global Digital Compact. The Global Digital Compact is expected to "outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all". This session would outline the contribution of space data and solutions to an open, free and secure digital future for all. |
Topics: Global Connectivity, Space Data, Education Networks |
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Session IV:
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To guarantee that future generations can enjoy the benefits space offers, cooperation and multilateral action is required today to protect the sustainability of the space environment. How can existing networks leverage each other and what additional efforts would be needed to ensure sustainability of Outer Space for present and future generations. |
Topics: Long Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, Space Debris Mitigation, Space Governance |
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Session V:
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To achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is crucial to broaden the use of space data and provide access to space and its benefits for all people everywhere. How can Member States and the UN-Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Affairs and the broader stakeholders support the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda? What do we need to do now to prepare for a good future after 2030? |
Topics: Next steps, way forward |
Submission and deadline for application
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
All applicants interested in participating in the World Space Forum must complete the following:
1. Fill in the application form.
- The application form includes open-ended questions:
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- On professional experience;
- Motivation to participate in the World Space Forum;
- Expectations from the meeting;
- How learning and networking at the meeting will be used after the event.
- The online application form is available here.
2. Send the signature form in PDF
- The signature form is available here: Signature Form World Space Forum 2023
- Signed by the applicant and the Head of the nominating agency/organization
- Please name your file: Surname_Name_Signature form.
- Send the signed signature form in PDF to worldspaceforum[@]un.org
Why is this form necessary? To confirm that you have adequate health insurance; to confirm if you need funding; and to confirm that the organization that you represent (which can also be your own company) has approved your potential participation. If you are applying in your individual capacity, the latter element will not apply. Instructions are detailed in the signature form.
Only completed applications with all the requested information and documents will be considered.
Besides this, applicants who wish to be considered to contribute to the event as a speaker or to present a poster will be asked to include an abstract of maximum 250 words in the online application form. Please note that this is not mandatory, but it is recommended in case you want to apply as a fully/partially funded participant. Please also note that if you submit an abstract and are selected as a participant, this does not automatically imply that you will be selected as a speaker.
Please note that only applications submitted through the online form will be accepted.
The United Nations encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities to apply.
Successful candidates will be contacted by email in October. Organizers will announce when the selection is completed on the event webpage. Due to the high number of applicants, unsuccessful candidates will not be notified individually, and organizers will not able to provide individual feedback.
- The deadline to apply for funding closed on 04 September 2023
- The call for abstracts closed on 04 September 2023
- Deadline for application to attend in person without funding and/or personalized invitation letter closes on 01 December 2023 (12:00pm CET)
Selection Criteria
Criteria to select participants include motivation and experience in the space sector. Presentation and poster abstracts will be evaluated based on relevance of topic, alignment to World Space Forum objectives, concrete application on the proposed subject, and sound structure.
To encourage equitable access to opportunity, the selection process will consider additional criteria, including regional representativeness and gender balance.
Life and health insurance
Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or their 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
UNOOSA - World Space Forum Organizing Team
E-Mail: worldspaceforum[@]un.org