INFORMATION NOTE
1. Background
The United Nations (UN) and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) have agreed to jointly organise a Workshop on the theme "Space Education and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development", from 14 to 15 October 2005. The Workshop will be held in conjunction with the 56th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), which will take place from 17 to 21 October 2005 in Fukuoka, Japan. Workshop participants selected by the UN and IAF will also be invited to attend the IAC.
This Workshop is the fifteenth meeting jointly organised by the Office for Outer Space Affairs under the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and by the International Astronautical Federation. It builds on the recommendations and experience gained from previous workshops. The UN/IAF Workshop has been endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the 2005 activities of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications.
The UN/IAF Workshop and the 56th IAC provide an unique forum for discussions among space experts, policy and decision makers, representatives from academic community and private industry. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and to examine opportunities for better cooperation. In the past, contacts established among participants have resulted in a number of initiatives and activities strengthening the role of space technology applications for improving the quality of life in developing countries.
The proceedings of the Workshop will be edited and subsequently published online by the Office for Outer Space Affairs to increase the awareness of the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. The report of the Workshop, including recommendations formulated by the participants, will be presented to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
2. Objectives
At the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III), held from 19 to 30 July 1999 in Vienna, Austria, a fundamental requirement was agreed to enhance education and training opportunities and ensure public awareness of the importance of space activities.
While the potential benefits of space science and technology and its applications for developing countries are generally recognised, experience has shown that successful implementation and operational use of this technology is subject to the resolution of some major issues, including the continuous development of human resources. In this context, UNISPACE III attached a great importance to enhancing capacity building through the development of human and budgetary resources; the training and professional development of teachers; the exchange of teaching methods, materials and experience; and the development of infrastructure and policy regulations in this area.
As a follow-up to the recommendation of the UNISPACE III, the Action Team on Capacity Building (Action Team 17) was established by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to investigate mechanisms required for enhancing capacity building in space-related activities. The Action Team concluded its initial three-year work plan in 2004 and put forward a plan of actions in this area.
The Workshop will address these issues, and will discuss how space education can contribute in sustainable development programmes in developing countries, with the following primary objectives:
3. Programme
The Workshop will be composed of a series of technical presentations with sufficient time set aside for discussions. Technical sessions will be followed by open discussions which will focus on specific topics of interest and will provide additional opportunities for participants to voice their opinions.
The programme of the Workshop may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
Participants of the Workshop are encouraged to make presentations on the topics suggested above, as well as participating actively in the discussions of the Working Groups.
The latest version of the programme will be made available on the web site of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs ( http://www.oosa.unvienna.org).
4. Date and location of Workshop
The Workshop will be held from 14 to 15 October 2005 at the Kitakyushu Convention Centre, as part of the 56th IAC. Participants who are selected and funded by the co-sponsors will be able also to attend the IAC which will take place from 17 to 21 October 2005 in Fukuoka city, Japan.
All selected participants will receive an information package with details on boarding, lodging and other local arrangements.
5. Language of the Workshop and presentation by participants
Applicants must have a good ability of English, which will be the only working language of the Workshop
Selected participants who are funded by the cosponsors of the Workshop will be required to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 to 15 minutes on topics relevant to the Workshop objectives and the programme. Presentations on actual projects in space education will be of particular interest to organizers of the Workshop.
6. Participation requirements
Applicants must have a university degree and well-established professional working experience in a field related to the theme of the Workshop. Applicants should be working in relevant government organizations, international or national space agencies, non-governmental organizations, research or academic institutions. It is preferred that the applicants are currently involved in programmes, projects or enterprises involved in the development of human resources in space science and technology, or potentially could be benefited from using space technology in their future projects.
Special consideration will be given to the applicants who:
The co-sponsors of the Workshop will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Selected participants will be notified by 5 September 2005.
7. Financial arrangements
Within the limited financial resources available to the co-sponsors, a number of selected participants from developing countries will be offered financial support to attend the Workshop and IAC. Funded participants will be provided with round trip air tickets between the international airport of their home countries and the International Airport at Kitakyushu or Fukuoka, Japan. The funded participants will also be provided with daily subsistence allowance to cover board and lodging for the duration of the Workshop and the IAC. Any en-route expenses or any changes made to the tickets will be at the participant's own expense.
Due to limited availability of financial support, not all participants can be funded. In this respect, applicants and their nominating organizations are strongly encouraged to find additional sources of sponsorship to allow them to attend the Workshop.
Funded participants will receive detailed information upon notification of their selection.
8. Deadline for Submission of Applications
A copy of the completed application form ( MSWord version/ PDF version), properly endorsed by applicant's government/ institution, should be directly submitted to:
Office for Outer Space Affairs
United Nations Office at Vienna
Vienna International Centre
P.O. BOX 500
A 1400 Vienna, AUSTRIA
Fax: (+43 1) 26060 5830
Phone: (+43 1) 26060- 4948
E-mail:
oosa@unvienna.org
to reach the Office no later than 15 August 2005. The original of the completed application form should be submitted through the Office of the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the applicant's country.
Applications received later then the deadline will be considered, but not eligible for financial support.
9. Life and Health Insurance
Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the participant or his/her institution or government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for any expenses related to medical treatment or accidental events.
10. Additional Information
For up-to-date information on this activity please refer to the Office for Outer Space Affairs website at http://www.oosa.unvienna.org.
INFORMATION NOTE
1. Background
The United Nations (UN) and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) have agreed to jointly organise a Workshop on the theme "Space Education and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development", from 14 to 15 October 2005. The Workshop will be held in conjunction with the 56th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), which will take place from 17 to 21 October 2005 in Fukuoka, Japan. Workshop participants selected by the UN and IAF will also be invited to attend the IAC.
This Workshop is the fifteenth meeting jointly organised by the Office for Outer Space Affairs under the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and by the International Astronautical Federation. It builds on the recommendations and experience gained from previous workshops. The UN/IAF Workshop has been endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the 2005 activities of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications.
The UN/IAF Workshop and the 56th IAC provide an unique forum for discussions among space experts, policy and decision makers, representatives from academic community and private industry. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and to examine opportunities for better cooperation. In the past, contacts established among participants have resulted in a number of initiatives and activities strengthening the role of space technology applications for improving the quality of life in developing countries.
The proceedings of the Workshop will be edited and subsequently published online by the Office for Outer Space Affairs to increase the awareness of the capabilities and benefits of space technology applications. The report of the Workshop, including recommendations formulated by the participants, will be presented to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
2. Objectives
At the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III), held from 19 to 30 July 1999 in Vienna, Austria, a fundamental requirement was agreed to enhance education and training opportunities and ensure public awareness of the importance of space activities.
While the potential benefits of space science and technology and its applications for developing countries are generally recognised, experience has shown that successful implementation and operational use of this technology is subject to the resolution of some major issues, including the continuous development of human resources. In this context, UNISPACE III attached a great importance to enhancing capacity building through the development of human and budgetary resources; the training and professional development of teachers; the exchange of teaching methods, materials and experience; and the development of infrastructure and policy regulations in this area.
As a follow-up to the recommendation of the UNISPACE III, the Action Team on Capacity Building (Action Team 17) was established by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to investigate mechanisms required for enhancing capacity building in space-related activities. The Action Team concluded its initial three-year work plan in 2004 and put forward a plan of actions in this area.
The Workshop will address these issues, and will discuss how space education can contribute in sustainable development programmes in developing countries, with the following primary objectives:
3. Programme
The Workshop will be composed of a series of technical presentations with sufficient time set aside for discussions. Technical sessions will be followed by open discussions which will focus on specific topics of interest and will provide additional opportunities for participants to voice their opinions.
The programme of the Workshop may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
Participants of the Workshop are encouraged to make presentations on the topics suggested above, as well as participating actively in the discussions of the Working Groups.
The latest version of the programme will be made available on the web site of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs ( http://www.oosa.unvienna.org).
4. Date and location of Workshop
The Workshop will be held from 14 to 15 October 2005 at the Kitakyushu Convention Centre, as part of the 56th IAC. Participants who are selected and funded by the co-sponsors will be able also to attend the IAC which will take place from 17 to 21 October 2005 in Fukuoka city, Japan.
All selected participants will receive an information package with details on boarding, lodging and other local arrangements.
5. Language of the Workshop and presentation by participants
Applicants must have a good ability of English, which will be the only working language of the Workshop
Selected participants who are funded by the cosponsors of the Workshop will be required to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 to 15 minutes on topics relevant to the Workshop objectives and the programme. Presentations on actual projects in space education will be of particular interest to organizers of the Workshop.
6. Participation requirements
Applicants must have a university degree and well-established professional working experience in a field related to the theme of the Workshop. Applicants should be working in relevant government organizations, international or national space agencies, non-governmental organizations, research or academic institutions. It is preferred that the applicants are currently involved in programmes, projects or enterprises involved in the development of human resources in space science and technology, or potentially could be benefited from using space technology in their future projects.
Special consideration will be given to the applicants who:
The co-sponsors of the Workshop will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Selected participants will be notified by 5 September 2005.
7. Financial arrangements
Within the limited financial resources available to the co-sponsors, a number of selected participants from developing countries will be offered financial support to attend the Workshop and IAC. Funded participants will be provided with round trip air tickets between the international airport of their home countries and the International Airport at Kitakyushu or Fukuoka, Japan. The funded participants will also be provided with daily subsistence allowance to cover board and lodging for the duration of the Workshop and the IAC. Any en-route expenses or any changes made to the tickets will be at the participant's own expense.
Due to limited availability of financial support, not all participants can be funded. In this respect, applicants and their nominating organizations are strongly encouraged to find additional sources of sponsorship to allow them to attend the Workshop.
Funded participants will receive detailed information upon notification of their selection.
8. Deadline for Submission of Applications
A copy of the completed application form ( MSWord version/ PDF version), properly endorsed by applicant's government/ institution, should be directly submitted to:
Office for Outer Space Affairs
United Nations Office at Vienna
Vienna International Centre
P.O. BOX 500
A 1400 Vienna, AUSTRIA
Fax: (+43 1) 26060 5830
Phone: (+43 1) 26060- 4948
E-mail:
oosa@unvienna.org
to reach the Office no later than 15 August 2005. The original of the completed application form should be submitted through the Office of the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the applicant's country.
Applications received later then the deadline will be considered, but not eligible for financial support.
9. Life and Health Insurance
Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the participant or his/her institution or government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for any expenses related to medical treatment or accidental events.
10. Additional Information
For up-to-date information on this activity please refer to the Office for Outer Space Affairs website at http://www.oosa.unvienna.org.