IDEA DAY

The International Astronautical Federation has always placed diversity at its core, engaging organizations from all over the world and fostering participation in space activities across the globe.

Starting in 2016, the IAF also launched its International Platform for Diversity and Equality in Astronautics (IDEA). The platform enlarges the scope of diversity promotion within the Federation and the space community with a focus on Geography, Generation, Gender (3G). This scope was further developed in 2019 with the creation of the 3G+, including all kinds of diversity, including people with alternative abilities, and acting throughout a manifold of activities and programmes. Over the years, the IAF has promoted various initiatives engaging its members and the space community at large and has recognised numerous organizations and projects for their efforts in terms of diversity promotion thanks to the IAF Excellence in 3G Diversity Award.

Once again, during the IAF Spring Meetings 2024, the Federation is dedicating a full day to the promotion of diversity.

IDEA 3G+ Diversity Breakfast - 08:30 – 09:30

  • Date: Tuesday, 26 March 2024, 08:30 – 09:30 CET (GMT+1)
  • Location: New CAP Conference Center, Paris, France

Welcome Remarks and Introduction

Clay MOWRY

President, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

United States

Panel Discussion: “Is the Next Generation ready to take up leadership roles?”

… and is the senior generation of leaders ready to pass on the torch? What is the role of the IAF as an exemplary organization to promote next generation leadership? The IAF has taken concrete action to provide leadership opportunities for the next generation and has already achieved good results: 2 out of 11 IAF Vice Presidents are now Young Professionals. Another latest initiative by the IAF Bureau is to ask its Workforce Development and Young Professionals Committee to be led by a Young Professional as a concrete example for other IAF bodies. Such initiatives, however, face concrete challenges and obstacles. During this panel discussion light will be shed on the opportunities as well as challenges for the next and the senior generations to achieve the right balance of leadership within IAF, but also at a larger scale within a global space community.

We are pleased to present you with a panel composed of some of the youngest and most active people within the Federation and those who have consistently advocated for their inclusion in our activities. You are all invited to actively engage in the discussion and contribute to IAF’s mission to foster a diverse workforce.

Moderator

Mishaal ASHEMIMRY

Aerospace Consultant & Special Advisor to CEO, Saudi Space Agency (SSA)

Saudi Arabia

Speakers

Michal BRICHTA

Director, Slovak Space Office - Industry Branch

Slovakia

Matias CAMPOS

CEO & Founder, Astralintu Space Technologies

Ecuador

Ken DAVIDIAN

Vice President for North American Operations, International Space University (ISU)

United States

Annie HANDMER

Honorary Affiliate, The University of Sydney

Australia

Nikole KOLEVA

Deputy Executive Director, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Austria

IDEA 3G+ Diversity Luncheon - 13:00 – 14:00

  • Date: Tuesday, 26 March 2024, 13:00 – 14:00 CET (GMT+1)
  • Location: New CAP Conference Center, Paris, France

Welcome Remarks

Clay MOWRY

President, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

United States

IAF promoting Diversity: Tracking the Evolution of 3G+ Principles at the IACs

The IAF Spring Meetings are surely the best occasion to share with the IAF Community the results achieved over the past few years in promoting diversity within our events, specifically our IACs.

From the growth in participation of the youngest minds in the field, to the inclusion of countries that are just starting to take their firsts steps in the space sector, we have managed to include and to build a safe space for everyone. The IAC has quickly become THE place to meet, learn and bring the best out of our community. During a presentation, impressive statistics will be shown demonstrating the progressive development of the IAC as a truly diverse and inclusive global space gathering.

Introduction

Jean-Yves LE GALL

Former President, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)

France

Speaker

Christian FEICHTINGER

Executive Director, IAF Secretariat

France

Take a look to our past IAF IDEA Events!