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By resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week, to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.

World Space Week is the largest annual space event in the world. the weeks helps build up the workforce of tomorrow by inspiring students; demonstrates visible public support for the space programme; educates the public about space activities; and fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education. Each year a theme is selected by the World Space Week Association Board of Directors in close coordination with the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs. The theme provides broad guidance to World Space Week participants on the content of their programmes. The theme is selected to increase the impact of World Space Week on all humanity further, by using a uniform theme globally. On 4 October 1957, the launch into outer space of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, opened the way for space exploration. A decade later, on 10 October 1967, the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies entered into force. Space science and technology and their applications are increasingly being used to support a wide range of United Nations activities. At least 25 United Nations entities and the World Bank Group routinely use space applications.

They make important and sometimes essential contributions to the work of the United Nations, including in the implementation of recommendations of major world conferences and those of the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III), as well as support towards sustainable development. As a consequence, coordination, cooperation and synergy are essential for those activities to be effectively carried out by the United Nations system. The annual sessions of the Inter-Agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities are the main means of achieving that synergy. The effectiveness of the Meeting has been further enhanced by the holding, since 2004, of an open informal session immediately after the end of the Meeting, as a means of engaging Member States, in a direct and informal setting, in important space-related developments in the United Nations system. The agenda of the Inter-Agency Meeting is reviewed at each session and adapted to current operational needs.

Links:
World Space Week

Every year, the International Astronautical Federation with the support of the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), holds the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) which is hosted by one of the national society members of the IAF.

They are an annual meeting of the actors in the discipline of space, and are generally held in late September or early October. They consist of plenary sessions, lectures and meetings. The IAC is attended by the agency heads and senior executives of the world’s space agencies. As the Second World War came to an end, the United States and the Soviet Union held different and competing political worldviews. As the Cold War began to take shape, communication between the two countries became less frequent. Both countries turned their focus to achieving military superiority over the other. Six years after the Iron Curtain fell, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) was formed by scientists from all over Europe in the field of space research in order to collaborate once more. During the years of the Space Race, the IAF was one of the few forums where members of both East and West Europe could meet during the annual International Astronautical Congresses.

The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5–9 October 2026 — marking the first time in history that the event will be hosted in Türkiye. Known for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant innovation ecosystem, Antalya will offer a unique backdrop to one of the world’s most prestigious space gatherings. This year’s edition of the IAC is hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and co-hosted by the SAHA Istanbul Aerospace Cluster. The IAC 2026 theme, The World Needs More Space, frames a programme inviting visionary ideas, innovative technologies, and pioneering research. In an age where the exploration and utilization of outer space are more crucial than ever, our motto emphasizes the imperative of maintaining a secure, accessible, and collaborative environment in the cosmos.

The congress will serve as a platform to highlight the importance of space as a shared resource that must be preserved for peaceful use, fostering international cooperation across all nations, regardless of their developmental status. The core focus of “The World Needs More Space” is to advocate for the sustainable and equitable exploration of space. As more countries and diverse stakeholders join the global space economy, it is essential to ensure that space remains an open frontier for all. The IAC 2026 will address pressing issues surrounding space security, exploration, and the ethical implications of our activities beyond Earth. The IAC 2026 promises to be an unforgettable gathering that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization. We invite you to join us in Antalya and contribute to the dialogue on how we can collectively ensure that the cosmos remains a realm of opportunity, inspiration, and unity for generations to come.

Links:
International Astronautical Congress