Overview of the Visit
Amina J. Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, visited Vienna on July 2, 2025, to engage in critical discourses surrounding space governance and youth involvement in addressing global challenges. This visit aligns with the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), a key platform for international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space. Given the increasing significance of outer space activities, this visit underscores the UN’s commitment to promoting dialogue among nations while placing emphasis on sustainable development and the effective governance of outer space.
The context of this visit is particularly relevant as nations grapple with the dual challenges of ensuring peace in outer space and enhancing cooperation in scientific endeavors. Amina Mohammed’s role will be facilitate discussions that enhance international norms and frameworks governing the use of space, particularly in light of emerging technologies and increasing commercialization in this domain. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity to engage with global stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, to reaffirm collective commitments to sustainable practices in space.
In addition to discussions focused on governance, Mohammed’s visit is aimed at fostering meaningful engagement with youth. By involving young people in deliberations about the future of outer space, the UN aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing discourse surrounding space initiatives. This proactive approach reflects a broader trend in UN initiatives that recognize youth as pivotal agents of change in achieving sustainable development goals.
Participation in the 68th COPUOS Session
Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, is set to participate in the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) will take place from June 4 to June 15, 2025, in Vienna, Austria. This annual assembly serves as a significant platform for discussing various aspects of international space governance among member states, UN entities, and other stakeholders. During her address, scheduled for June 2, Ms. Amina Mohammed wifocus on key issues pertinent to sustainable development in outer space, particularly emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches to space management.
Ms. Mohammed is expected to highlight the vital role of international cooperation in fostering advancements in space exploration while ensuring the equitable use of outer space resources. Her address aimed to shed light on the importance of establishing norms and frameworks that govern space activities, addressing potential challenges regarding space cooperation. By drawing attention to the necessity for comprehensive regulations and policies, she will encourage active participation from all nations in the development of effective space governance strategies.
Furthermore, COPUOS serves as an instrumental forum for promoting dialogue on critical space-related issues, including the implications of space technology on sustainable development goals and utilisation. It enables member states to engage in meaningful discussions that aim to enhance transparency and build trust in international cooperation for space activities. Ms. Amina Mohammed’s participation not only underscores her commitment to advancing space governance discussions but also highlights the need for youth engagement in these conversations. By inspiring the next generation, she encourages innovative approaches to tackle pressing challenges in outer space, ensuring that future initiatives are inclusive and far-reaching.
High-Level Side Event: A Dialogue with Youth and Industry
The high-level side event, titled “Powering Our Future in Space – A Dialogue with Youth and Industry,” is poised to serve as a significant platform for discussing contemporary issues in space governance. This event gathered diverse participants, including prominent youth leaders and key representatives from the space industry, fostering a rich environment for dialogue and collaboration. The format of the event is designed to promote active engagement, ensuring that the perspectives of young people and industry experts are equally represented.
Central to the discussions will be the themes of inclusive innovation and intergenerational dialogue. The involvement of youth leaders is particularly crucial, as they bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to the challenges faced in the realm of space governance. Their insights did not only enrich the conversation but also ensure that the perspectives of future generations are considered in decision-making processes. By counterbalancing the experience of industry veterans with the enthusiasm of the youth, the event aims to create a holistic approach to the sustainable development of space resources.
Moreover, the transformative role of space in shaping a sustainable future was a focal point of the discussions. The participants explored how advancements in space technology can be leveraged to address critical global issues, such as climate change and resource management. Emphasizing the collaborative potential between youth and industry, attendees aimed to showcase how thoughtful partnerships can drive innovation and inclusivity, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for all. Through this dialogue, the high-level side event aspires to inspire concrete actions that align with sustainable development goals while harnessing the empowering potential of space exploration and utilisation.
Engagement and Future Implications
Amina J. Mohammed’s visit to Vienna presented a significant opportunity for dialogue among key stakeholders in space governance, particularly between Organisations, youth, and the private sector. Her engagement in these vital discussions can catalyze a shift in how space exploration policies are shaped, ensuring they reflect a more inclusive and collaborative approach. The dialogues initiated during her visit may serve as a foundation for establishing frameworks that prioritize ethical considerations, sustainability, and equitable access to space technologies.
The implications of her involvement extend beyond immediate policy adjustments; they can foster a culture of long-term cooperation. By emphasizing the interdependence of governmental bodies, the private sector, and the youth, Ms. Amina Mohammed’s discussions may lead to innovative collaborations that tackle pressing global challenges. For instance, youth participation in space governance can enable new perspectives and solutions that align with emerging trends, making policies more relevant in the fast-evolving landscape of space exploration.
Moreover, the dialogues facilitated by Ms. Amina Mohammed in Vienna can help build networks that promote knowledge exchange and resource sharing. Such collaboration is crucial for addressing critical issues like climate change and technological development, which increasingly intersect with space activities. Engaging the youth in these conversations not only empowers them but also ensures that future generations have a voice in shaping the governance structures that will dictate the usage of space.
In essence, continued dialogue and cooperation led by influential figures like Amina J. Mohammed can create momentum for progressive policies and partnerships that reflect the shared aspirations of all stakeholders. As governance in the realm of space evolves, it will be vital to include diverse perspectives that can drive sustainable practices and promote global solidarity in addressing the myriad challenges humanity faces in this new frontier.
