Space for Youth -Activities of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs-

Paper number

IAC-19,E1,6,8,x49524

Author

Ms. Ayami Kojima, Austria, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Coauthor

Dr. Yukiko Okumura, Austria, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Coauthor

Mr. Ian Freeman, Austria, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Coauthor

Ms. Veronica Cesco, Austria, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Year

2019

Abstract

At the United Nations level youth development and youth engagement are cross-cutting issues in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role of Youth has also been acknowledged consistently at the highest levels in the UN system and most recently through Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018), acknowledging that young people play an important and positive role in the realization of sustainable development, in the prevention of crises and in the advancement of peace. 

Such recognition for Youth issues at the UN level was complemented in 2018 by the launch of the UN Secretary General’s Youth 2030 strategy. The Strategy aims to facilitate increased impact and expanded global, regional and country-level action to address the needs, build the agency and advance the rights of young people. The Strategy works to ensure their engagement and participation in the implementation, review and follow-up of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 
The Strategy recognizes that young people’s empowerment, development and engagement is an end in itself, as well as a means to build a better world. The UN cannot achieve its mission without partnering with young people and ensuring them understood, empowered, and leading global efforts and processes. 

With this in mind, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs has launched a call for papers competition called “Space for Youth” together with our partners at the Space Generation Advisory Council.  The competition brings the perspectives of the youth on how space is supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); to amplify the voice of the youth in space to the members of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; and to bring the perspectives of the youth on how space is supporting SDG implementation around the world.  As an outcome, one paper for each SDG was selected. Awarded winners of the competition had been provided the opportunity to convey their voices to policy makers at the Committee. 

This presentation will explain the UN Youth Strategy 2030, the contribution of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, as the UN home of space, to lead youth development, and will share the ideas from winners of the essay competition.

Abstract document

IAC-19,E1,6,8,x49524.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,E1,6,8,x49524.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.