United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

This workshop is completed, please check the Final Programme and Presentations

Introduction

The United Nations, through its Programme on Space Applications implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) are co-organizing the Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits on the theme "Space Exploration - A source of Inspiration, Innovation and Discovery" to provide space emerging countries with capacity building opportunities in using space science, technologies and applications for space exploration in support of sustainable economic, social and environmental development and on the role of industry.

The Workshop will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 22 to 24 October 2021 in conjunction with the 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and it will be the 28th in the series of such workshops.

Workshop Objectives

The Workshop will provide a forum for discussion on space science, technologies and applications for space exploration in support of sustainable economic, social and environmental development and as a source of inspiration, innovation and discovery. Considering the direct and/or indirect relevance of space to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the workshop will address the specific elements of SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), in addition to SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). The Workshop will serve as a platform to ensure inclusive development in the areas of space technologies taking people, students, private sectors, researchers, academia, innovators and other actors on board in bringing benefits of space exploration to the end users.

The main objectives of the Workshop are to:

1. Raise awareness about the international and national entities, space agencies, industry and civil society activities related to Space Exploration
2. Raise awareness about planetary protection concepts and guidelines
3. Raise awareness about capacity-building efforts on space exploration and discuss synergies and common areas of work
4. Promote and discuss inclusiveness on space exploration
5. Raise awareness on the efforts of the international space community on how space exploration and innovations can trigger inclusiveness through new partnerships involving space emerging nations and industries
6. Bring together policy- and decision-makers, and the research and academic communities to help integrate space into policy and the decision-making process

Presentations made during the Workshop will be published on the website of the Office for Outer Space Affairs to increase awareness about the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. The report of the Workshop and its recommendations will be distributed to the participants and the space technology user community.

Programme

Opening session: Covering the background and the objectives of the workshop.

Session 1a: Space Exploration for All - National and International Perspective

Space exploration activities have peaked in recent years. This journey of space exploration is not limited anymore to the developed nations. Thanks to an inclusive approach implemented by space-faring countries, several developing and space emerging nations are also delving into space exploration. The 1a sub-session will present space exploration National and International efforts on space exploration and reveal the latest and future approach towards space exploration.

Session 1b: Space Exploration for All - Industry Perspective

Space exploration activities have peaked in recent years. This journey of space exploration is not limited anymore to the developed nations. Thanks to an inclusive approach implemented by space-faring countries, several developing and space emerging nations are also delving into space exploration. The 1b sub-session will present space exploration efforts focusing on the industry perspective and reveal the latest and future approach towards space exploration

Session 1c: Space Exploration for All - Civil Society Perspective

Space exploration activities have peaked in recent years. This journey of space exploration is not limited anymore to the developed nations. Thanks to an inclusive approach implemented by space-faring countries, several developing and space emerging nations are also delving into space exploration. The session will present space exploration efforts focusing on the role of civil society and reveal the latest and future approach towards space exploration

Session 2: Capacity Building for Space Exploration

This session will cover activities to develop capacity in space exploration. It will showcase national, regional and international projects and initiatives supporting the development of skills, infrastructure and capabilities related to space exploration.

Session 3 (Panel discussion): Opportunities for space emerging countries to join efforts in space exploration

Selected members from previous sessions of the Workshop

Closing session: High level closing remarks

Breakout sessions

Breakout interactive sessions will be organised on specific topics to get contributions from participants on the objectives of the workshop. 

Registration

Interested parties are requested to apply through this link.
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2021.

Working Language

The working language of the Workshop will be English. All participants are required to have good English language skills.

Sponsorship

The Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations and IAF are responsible for organizing the Workshop. Sponsorship of the workshop is still open to other interested entities. Interested parties may contact Mr. Jorge Del Rio Vera, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

Expected Participants

The Workshop is being planned for a total of 100 participants including, engineers, innovators, educators, and 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, and also from industry. Participants should be in senior managerial or decision-making responsibility at governmental agencies, national and regional institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations or industry. Applications from female applicants are particularly encouraged.

Participants funded by the Office might be eligible for a waiver on the IAC 2021 registration fee of the IAC.

Financial support

Within the limited financial resources available, a limited number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the workshop. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip air ticket - most economic fare - between the airport of international departure in their home country and Dubai, UAE) and/or the room and board expenses for the duration of the workshop. The co-sponsors of the workshop will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome within two weeks after the deadline.

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. Please pay attention to the online application form when registering for the Workshop.

Contact Information

For additional information on the Workshop programme, please contact: Mr. Jorge Del Rio Vera or Ms. Hazuki Mori, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The focal point for IAF is Ms. Isabella Marchisio