The United Nations, through its programme on space applications implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), is co-organising the annual Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits. In addition, the workshop hosted by Azercosmos and themed “Challenges and Capacity-building Opportunities for Emerging Space Nations” will be held between 29 September – October 2023 at the Baku Convention Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan.
The workshop aims to unite people conducting capacity-building activities from the government, space agencies, research institutes, academia, and non-governmental organisations. In addition, the programme aims to gather individuals interested in building partnerships to accelerate capacity-building programmes in developing nations about using space technologies and applications for sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
Objectives
The workshop will foster an interactive discussion on increasing capabilities in space technologies and applications within developing countries and increasing awareness of their benefits. The main objectives of the Workshop include the following:
- Raise awareness of the various capacity-building efforts that are done in multiple countries and regions of the world, specifically, actions carried out through regional or international cooperation;
- Share challenges and success stories of capacity-building efforts to discuss what methods are the most effective and what synergies could be applied between initiatives of different stakeholders;
- Bring together stakeholders from various governments, space agencies, academia, and industries to promote partnerships;
Furthermore, presentations during the workshop will be published on the Office for Outer Space Affairs website to increase awareness about the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. In addition, the report of the workshop and its recommendations will be distributed to the participants and the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Programme Details
The programme will feature presentations grouped into sessions where speakers discuss a specific topic. In addition, the programme will also feature a panel discussion during which speakers give short introductory statements, followed by a moderated discussion among speakers and questions with the audience.
Please note a detailed programme will be released in July 2023.
Nonetheless, to facilitate the discussions and the search for partnerships, three topics are of importance in the call for abstracts:
Topic 1: Available capacity-building opportunities;
Speakers will share information about current capacity-building activities that they can make available to other countries/regions at no cost; the capacity-building activities proposed will be within one of the following categories:
- University-level education in space engineering;
- University-level education about developing and using space applications (including meteorology, remote sensing, telecommunications and satellite navigation);
- University-level education in space policy and space law;
- University-level education to develop business skills relating to space business opportunities or entrepreneurship in the space sector; and
- Education at a level below the university level focusing on space technology and applications of any type;
Topic 2: Lessons Learned in building educational opportunities;
Speakers will critically assess what elements are needed to maximise the impact of capacity-building initiatives to develop space activities in their country or region.
Furthermore, government officials, space agencies, research and development institutions, policy and decision-makers, members of academia, educators and the private sector are welcome to share their experiences. In addition, they are welcome to explain effective mechanisms vital in developing a skilled workforce and proffer advice beneficial for non-space-faring nations.
Topic 3: Needs of new space-faring nations or non-space-faring nations to develop and obtain space-related knowledge and skills.
Speakers will explain their needs, the practical problems they encountered when attempting to develop a workforce and a space industry in their own country, and issues they face to raise awareness of what benefits space can bring to daily life. Topics might include an overview of their needs in space technology and applications education. They also need to ensure that the benefits of space applications are better understood among policymakers.
Call for Abstracts
Interested Individuals must submit their abstracts via the 30th UN/IAF Workshop registration form by 4 June 2023.
No late submissions will not be considered.
When submitting abstracts for this workshop, please note that:
- Presentation of concrete case studies, pilot projects, and lessons learnt is strongly encouraged;
- Abstracts reporting on activities that have already taken place will be given preference over those primarily focused on theories, concepts, and plans for the future;
- Abstracts covering topics or activities presented at a prior UN/IAF Workshop must be stated explicitly and detail the additional information and the added value it represents or delivers;
Successful applicants will be informed of their abstract status by 30 June 2023.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for the workshop is still open; interested individuals can contact UNOOSA at unoosa-events@un.org.
Expected Participants
The workshop will accommodate 150 participants. They include technical experts, innovators, educators, policy- and decision-makers from international, regional, national and local institutions, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, research and development institutions, and industry experts.
Participants will be selected up to the room’s maximum capacity based on relevant professional and/or academic experience.
Financial Support
Within the limited financial resources available, UNOOSA may provide funding for individuals selected as speakers whose nationality is classified as a developing country based on their nationality and relevant professional or educational background. In addition, for the list of developing countries, please refer to the annexe of the “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023” report,
Other supports include:
- A round trip air ticket – economic fare – between the airport of international departure in their home country and Baku;
- A fixed daily allowance that covers accommodation and meals for the duration of the workshop is provided via a bank transfer after the workshop; and
- Free registration to the International Astronautical Congress is held immediately after the workshop.
Please note that only applicants who submit an abstract in the programme for an oral presentation at the workshop will be considered for financial support.
Deadline
Applicants must register here before 4 June 2023.
Additional Information
UNOOSA may provide funding for individuals selected as speakers from a developing country.
For more details, see the UNOOSA website.
Click here to get real time data and information on every Segments and players in the African space and satellite industry.