REGISTRATION OPEN
Setting the stage
We are entering a new era of lunar exploration - a second lunar age - in which commercial actors are expected to play a pivotal role in enabling and expanding the use of the Moon. With more than 100 missions planned by 2030, the urgency to ensure the safety, sustainability, and regulatory coherence on the lunar surface and in orbit is rapidly increasing.
To better understand the evolving landscape and industry needs, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is organizing an event focused on mapping the "Commercial Lunar Landscape and Policy Needs." This initiative responds to the growing complexity of lunar missions and the need for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders to inform responsible, forward-looking governance.
Objectives
This conference aims to provide commercial lunar operators with a platform to present their planned activities and share their perspectives ahead of potential regulatory discussions. It seeks to enhance Member States' understanding of the current state of lunar missions and the expanding role of commercial entities, while identifying key challenges and critical needs from an industry perspective. The outcomes are intended to support policy discussions within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), particularly within the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultations (ATLAC) and the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, as well as to inform related international processes across the United Nations system. Topics to be addressed will include the safety and sustainability of both orbital and surface operations, ranging from positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and communications to lunar landing coordination and the management of lunar assets.
Who should attend?
The conference is aimed at private companies engaged in lunar activities and experts and policymakers from Member States, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations involved in lunar governance.
Representatives from the various permanent missions of United Nations Member States in Vienna will be invited to the conference, along with representatives from various United Nations agencies and other international organizations, with the aim of promoting dialogue not only between policymakers but also with the private sector.
The organizers strive to support gender mainstreaming in their programmes and are committed to achieving a balanced representation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
How to register?
Registration is free of charge and open to everyone; however, in -person attendance will be limited to the room capacity.
Please click
here to register.
Deadline for registration to attend in-person: September 19, 2025 - 6pm CET.
Deadline for registration to attend online: October 31, 2025 - 6pm CET.
What to expect?
Date and time: 17-18 November 2025, tentatively scheduled for 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
Venue: C-Building, 4th floor, Boardroom-D, Vienna International Centre (VIC)
Programme
The Programme will be published soon.
Information for in-person attendees
If you have been selected to attend the conference in person, you will receive an information booklet prior to your arrival.
FAQs
What is the working language of the conference?
The working language of the conference is English.
Where is the venue?
The conference will take place at the Vienna International Center (VIC), Wagramer Strasse 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria, C-Building, 4th floor, Boardroom-D. Click here for directions to VIC.
Where can I watch the online broadcast?
The conference will be broadcasted via MS Teams. Please register for the conference using the registration link provided above. You will receive an email with connection details closer to the date of the conference. Please check your spam folder if you have not received the email.
What should I do if I have not received the link to watch the online broadcast?
The conference will be broadcasted via MS Teams. The link will be emailed to all registrants closer to the date of the conference. Please check your spam folder if you have not received the link.
As an online attendee, am I able to ask questions to the speakers?
This is an online broadcast. Thus, it is not possible for online attendees to speak directly to the speakers.
How does the organizing committee select in-person attendees?
Please note that those interested to attend in person will be selected, up to the maximum capacity of the room, based on relevant professional and academic experience as indicated in the registration form. Selected attendees will be notified via email in October. If you have not been selected, you will be emailed the connection link to view the conference online.
Does UN provide financial support to those interested to attend the conference in person?
All in-person participants are expected to fund their own travel.
Does UN provide health insurance?
Health insurance for each of the selected participants attending in person is necessary and is the responsibility of the participant or his/her institution or government. UNOOSA will not assume any responsibility for life and health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidents.
May I submit an abstract?
All speakers at this conference are by invitation only. There will not be a call for abstract.
Consent
Please be aware that by attending the event in person, you are providing consent that photos and videos taken during the event may be published on the UNOOSA website.
Who do I contact for further information?
For additional information, please contact unoosa-events@un.org .