UNISPACE+50

18 - 21 June 2018

M Building, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria

Background

UNISPACE+50

In June 2018 the international community gathered in Vienna to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space with a dedicated event UNISPACE+50. It provided a great opportunity for the international community to convene and consider the future course of global space cooperation for the benefit of humankind.

UNISPACE+50 consisted of two main parts:

From 22 to 29 June, COPUOS reverted to its regular session.

In addition, a UNISPACE+50 exhibition consisting of around 40 exhibitors was held in the Rotunda of the VIC from 18 to 23 June. The exhibition was open to the public on Saturday 23 June from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

Symposium

On 18 - 19 June 2018 the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs organized a dedicated UNISPACE+50 Symposium for the wider space community to exchange views on the future of international space cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space. This symposium featured exciting talks from a wide range of experts from around the world, addressing the past, present and future role of space science and technology in fostering global development and cooperation.

The high-level panel and the special sessions featured keynote speakers, distinguished experts and strong supporters of global space activities and considered the four pillars of space economy, space society, space accessibility and space diplomacy. An emphasis was put on cross-cutting and strategic areas in which space is a main driver and contributor to overarching development goals and strengthened international cooperation, in particular for the benefit of developing countries.

Who attended

All Member States of the United Nations and experts from the broader space community, including United Nations entities, international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and industry, the entrepreneurial, business and academic community, researchers involved in the use of space activities, and civil society leaders.

Presentations

High-level Segment

The UNISPACE+50 High-level Segment, held on 20 - 21 June, was an opportunity for United Nations Member States and Permanent Observers to reflect on the outcomes of the three UNISPACE conferences and consider the future of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, as well as the work and mandates of COPUOS and UNOOSA. Member States endorsed a UNISPACE+50 resolution on 20 June, which will be presented to the General Assembly consideration at its seventy-third session in 2018.

The UNISPACE+50 high-level segment formed part of the 61 st session of COPUOS. From 22 to 29 June, COPUOS reverted to its regular session.

The List of Speakers and the list of statements and other information are available on the main webpage of COPUOS.

Participation

In accordance with the decision by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (A/72/20):

(a) All States Members of the United Nations were invited by the Secretariat to participate in the high-level segment at the level of Head of State or Government, the ministerial level or at the otherwise highest possible level;

(b) The broader space community, including United Nations entities, other international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and non-governmental entities, including industry and the private sector, attended the UNISPACE+50 high-level segment, in accordance with established rules and practices of the Committee.

Exhibition

UNISPACE+50 exhibition consisting of around 40 exhibitors was held in the Rotunda of the VIC from 18 to 23 June. The exhibition was open to the public on Saturday 23 June from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

 

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