UN High Level Forum: Space as a Driver for Socio-Economic Sustainable Development

Three previous UNISPACE conferences, held in 1968, 1982, and 1999, have addressed key issues of global space governance. The 2018 UNISPACE+50 Conference will mark the fiftieth anniversary of first UNISPACE conference and seek to plan the future of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). By bringing together representatives from governments and commercial interests across the world, the larger goals of UNISPACE+50 are to ensure continued peaceful use of space through cooperation.

In preparation for the UNISPACE+50 Conference of 2018, a high level forum has convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Secure World Foundation has partnered with Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems and the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems to sponsor this four-day event. Organized jointly by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the United Arab Emirates Space Agency, the forum expects to share the lessons learned and new ideas in the four thematic areas of space economy, space society, space accessibility, and space diplomacy. Executive Director, Michael Simpson, and project manager, Christopher Johnson, represented the Foundation at this November session. 

Michael Simpson delivered Opening Remarks, presented two breakout sessions: "Measuring Value, Defining Benefits" and  "Space Assets and the Sustainable Development Goals," and participated in the closing discussion panels.

Christopher Johnson presented two breakout sessions: "Small Satellite Technology and Space Capability" and "Perspectives on Sustainable Space Activities."

An agenda and further details may be found at the UNOOSA website.

The Dubai Declaration, a summary document of the forum is available here.