UNOOSA and IAF are Organising the 28th Space Technology Workshop

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The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is hosting its 28th Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits. The event’s theme is “Space Exploration – A source of inspiration, innovation and discovery”. The Office is hosting the workshop in partnership with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Furthermore, it will be in conjunction with the 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC). The workshop aims to provide space emerging countries with capacity-building opportunities. These opportunities are focused on leveraging space science, technologies, and applications for space exploration to support sustainable economic, social and environmental development.

The Workshop will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 22 to 24 October 2021. The venue is the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre is hosting the event.

Workshop Objectives

The workshop will address the following specific elements: SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). Likewise, it will address SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). Nonetheless, the workshop will consider space’s direct and indirect relevance to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the workshop will serve as a platform to ensure inclusive development in space technologies. This will be achieved by bringing researchers, innovators and other key actors on board in bringing benefits of space exploration to end-users.

The main objectives of the Workshop are to:

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

The Office will publish presentations made during the workshop on its website. This is to increase awareness about the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. Likewise, UNOOSA will distribute the Workshop report and recommendations to the participants and the space technology user community.

Registration

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

Working Language

The working language of the workshop will be English. Therefore, all participants are to have good English language skills.

Sponsorship

The Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations and IAF are responsible for organising the Workshop. However, the sponsorship of the workshop is still open to other interested entities. Consequently, 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. This includes 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 industry. Applications from female applicants are particularly encouraged. Furthermore, participants funded by the Office might be eligible for a waiver on the IAC 2021 registration fee.

Financial Support

The co-sponsors will offer a limited number of selected participants financial support to attend the workshop. Furthermore, 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 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 receive notification 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. Furthermore, the insurance is the responsibility of the candidate or their institution or Government. Consequently, the co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance. Likewise, the co-sponsors will not be responsible for expenses related to medical treatment or accidents. Therefore, 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.

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