UNIS/OS/591
18 December 2023

UN Office for Outer Space Affairs launches ‘UNOOSA Space Bridge'

Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Aarti Holla-Maini, launches the “UNOOSA Space Bridge, Where Leaders Meet” at the World Space Forum in Vienna

VIENNA, 18 December (United Nations Information Service) — The aim of the UNOOSA Space Bridge is to promote global dialogue to enable local action. This will be achieved through targeted exchanges that enhance international expertise and break down silos. The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) will bring relevant stakeholders together to ask the right questions and identify solutions that empower policymakers to advance space sustainability and leverage space for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Structured dialogues with heads of space agencies, government representatives, regulators, industry professionals, UN entities, non-space entities, and civil society as appropriate, will help identify tangible solutions to drive actions in line with UNOOSA’s mandate as custodian of space for the SDGs.

Earth observation, navigation, and communications satellites play an integral part in addressing global challenges such as climate change, the digital divide, food security, environmental monitoring, and humanitarian aid.  However, more can be done to ensure that industry, space agencies and other experts share their experiences and concerns with policymakers and regulators. The UNOOSA Space Bridge platform is focused on dialogue, action, and impact and will bridge this gap by identifying practical solutions that make a real difference.

UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini said: "UNOOSA is the only part of the United Nations with a mandate entirely dedicated to space. As such, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that every UN Member State can contribute to and benefit from space technology, data, and services. The UNOOSA Space Bridge will enhance our capacity-building activities to ensure that space solutions can be scaled where needed to drive transformational change, build resilience, and enhance global sustainability.”

UNOOSA will launch a consultation over the coming months to identify specific topics, for discussion in 2024.

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For more information, please contact:

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Email: unoosa[at]un.org