Abstract: For All Moonkind and its Institute on Space Law and Ethics will host four virtual panels focused on legal, technical and cultural aspects of space exploration to support the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Science Summit at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Space exploration can play a role in achieving all of the SDGs, but it is particularly relevant to SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals.
Space exploration can help to build partnerships between countries and organizations, and it can also help to promote innovation and development. For example, space-based technologies can be used to monitor climate change, track deforestation and improve disaster response.
The UNGA78's events on space exploration and the 17 SDGs are an opportunity for the international community to come together to discuss the ways in which space can be used to
achieve the SDGs. These events are also an opportunity to build partnerships and to strengthen the international legal framework for space exploration.
Panel 1: Shooting for the Moon: How Lunar Exploration Inspires Science and
Collaboration to Support SDG 17Panel 1 will explore the ways in which space exploration can inspire and motivate people around the world, and how it can be used to build partnerships to achieve the SDGs. The event will feature panelists from the space community, as well as educators and youth leaders.
Panel 2: Building Partnerships: the Science, Law and Need for Multilateralism to
Protect Cultural Heritage Beyond EarthPanel 2 will discuss the need to protect cultural heritage in space, and how this can be done through international cooperation. The event will feature experts on space law, cultural heritage and multilateralism.
Panel 3:Promoting Access to Space to Support Multiple SDGs
Panel 3 will explore the ways in which increasing access to space can help to achieve the SDGs. The event will feature panelists from the space industry, as well as representatives from developing countries.
Panel 4: Building Strong Institutions: a Review of Legal, Ethical and Technological
Considerations of Human Space ExplorationPanel 4 will discuss current law, explore different belief systems and highlight urgent ethical issues arising with respect to human exploration and use of space, how they may be addressed within current institutional frameworks and how institutional frameworks may evolve to support space development.
The four panels evidence For All Moonkind’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of space exploration and its potential to contribute to sustainable development. They are also an opportunity for the international community to come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of space exploration, and to build partnerships to ensure that it is used for the benefit of all.
For All Moonkind is the only organization in the world advocating for and developing a framework to protect human cultural heritage in outer space. For All Moonkind’s Institute on Space Law and Ethics promotes the articulation and development of an ethical foundation and framework for responsible space behavior
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Introduce the UNGA to the cultural heritage that can be found beyond Earth, suggest that the same must be protected for future generations, and offer legal and technological paths forward.
- Share the inspirational effect of historic lunar landings and encourage the UNGA to embrace this new generation and cycle of space exploration to inspire and support STEM education across the globe, growing skill sets and in turn economies.
- Provide the UNGA with a toolbox of potential solutions that can be implemented to establish a space ecosystem that ensures equal opportunities for all interested States and parties, regardless of their technological capability, socio-economic background, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation.
- Build momentum for collaboration and peace by recognizing and celebrating the university and global impact of human activities in space.
