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 “Access to Space for All: Bridging the Space Divide” to bring together policy-and decision-makers, and the research and academic communities to discuss on different topics related to space and how space science, technologies and applications can support of sustainable economic, social and environmental development and the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies related to space.
The Workshop will be held in Paris, France, from 16 to 17 September 2022 in conjunction with the 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and it will be the 29th in the series of such workshops.
Workshop Objectives
 The Workshop will provide a forum for discussion on how space science, technologies and applications can support sustainable economic, social and environmental development and the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies related to space and leveraging the Access to Space for All Initiative.
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 the benefits of space exploration to the end-users
The main objectives of the Workshop are to:
- Bring together policy- and decision-makers and the research and academic communities to help integrate space into policy and the decision-making process;
- Raise awareness about the activities of international and national entities, space agencies, industry and civil society activities related to innovation and socio-economic benefits of space activities;
- Raise awareness about capacity-building efforts on activities to enable access to space and discuss synergies and common areas of work; andÂ
- Raise awareness of the efforts of the international space community on international cooperation efforts and partnerships involving space emerging nations and industries.
Presentations made 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 space technology user community.
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 organisations, 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 organisations or industries. Applications from female applicants are particularly encouraged.
Participants funded by the Office might be eligible for a waiver on the IAC 2022 registration fee of the IAC.
Financial SupportÂ
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 Paris, France) and/or the room and board expenses for the workshop duration. 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.
Registration
Interested parties are requested to apply through this link.
NOTE: The deadline for applications is 30 June 2022
For more information about the programme, kindly check here.
Contact InformationÂ
For additional information on the Workshop programme, please contact:Â
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.
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