63rd Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

As a Permanent Observer to COPUOS, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) participated in the 63rd Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), held in Vienna from 2 to 13 February 2026.

The Federation reiterated its continued support for the work of the United Nations by fostering dialogue between the global space community and policymakers and by promoting the use of space science and technology for sustainable development.

Under the General Exchange of Views, IAF President Gabriella Arrigo delivered the Federation’s statement, highlighting recent and forthcoming IAF activities. She recalled the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), held in Sydney, Australia, which brought together nearly 8,000 participants from 99 countries, and featured high-level initiatives including the IAF Global Space Leaders Summit (IAF GSLS) and the IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments (IAF MMoP). She also referred to the 32nd IAF Workshop with the Support of the United Nations, which focused on Space for Oceans and Disaster Risk Management.

Looking ahead, the IAF outlined key activities planned for 2026, including the celebration of its 75th anniversary, the IAF Global Space Conference on Climate Change in Kigali, Rwanda, and the 77th International Astronautical Congress, to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, under the theme “The World Needs More Space”. The President also invited Member States and stakeholders to participate in the 78th IAC, scheduled to take place in Poznań, Poland, in 2027.

On the margins of the session, a bilateral meeting was held between UNOOSA and the IAF. The meeting was attended by Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA; Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director; Lorant Czaran, Chief, UN-SPIDER Vienna Office; Joerg Szarzynski, Officer-in-Charge, UN-SPIDER Bonn Office; Hamid Mehmood, Head, UN-SPIDER Beijing Office; and the IAF delegation, comprising IAF President Gabriella Arrigo, IAF Executive Director Christian Feichtinger, IAF Senior Advisor Elena Feichtinger, and IAF Projects Manager Svetlana Vakhrina.

Discussions focused on preparations for the 33rd UN/IAF Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits, to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in conjunction with the 77th International Astronautical Congress, on 3 - 4 October 2026. Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to facilitating exchanges on space science, technology, applications, and exploration in support of economic, social, and environmental development.