69th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) actively participated in the 69th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), chaired by Prof. Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Through its participation, the IAF reaffirmed its strong commitment to international cooperation and the peaceful use of outer space.

During the IAF Technical Presentation, entitled “Practical Steps Towards a Sustainable Future Through IAF Flagship Events,” IAF President Gabriella Arrigo, together with IAF Executive Director Christian Feichtinger and Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and IAF Vice President, highlighted preparations for the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5 - 9 October 2026.

In the Federation’s official statement, Gabriella Arrigo also announced that the Congress has already reached several historic milestones, including a record-breaking 8,330 abstracts submitted from 108 countries, as well as a record 434 Late-Breaking Abstract submissions. These achievements reflect the growing global interest in space activities and the increasing importance of the IAC as the world's premier gathering of the space community.

In addition, participants were informed about the upcoming International Space Forum at Ministerial Level (ISF 2026) – The Roman Chapter, to be held in Rome, Italy, on 23 November 2026 under the theme "Space for Peace."

A major highlight of the week was the official signing of the agreement between the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO), confirming the Maldives as the host country of the IAF Global Space and Oceans Conference (GSOC 2027), which will take place from 3 to 5 May 2027. The agreement was signed by Gabriella Arrigo, President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and Madin Maseeh, President of the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO).

The week also featured the IAC 2026 Reception, organized by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and hosted by H.E. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kibaroğlu, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations in Vienna.

The reception provided an opportunity for delegates attending COPUOS to learn more about the first-ever International Astronautical Congress to be hosted in Türkiye and to engage with representatives of the Turkish Space Agency and the IAF.

The IAF confirmed the excellent and fruitful cooperation between the Host team from Türkiye, led by TUA President Yusuf Kıraç together with Emine Doğrukök, IAC 2026 Director and Adviser to the Minister, and the IAF team led by IAF Executive Director Christian Feichtinger.

The IAF's participation in COPUOS once again demonstrated the Federation's role as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge exchange. Through partnerships with the United Nations and its Member States, the IAF continues to advance its mission of fostering international collaboration and ensuring that the benefits of space are shared worldwide.