Bringing Space to the Non-Space Community: Toward Sustainability and the Space2030 Agenda

As we all know sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an important topic around the globe. Many different sectors are working on this endeavor including the space sector. With the recent UNISPACE+50 and the introduction of a Space2030 Agenda, member states of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) have a working group specifically dedicated to the Space2030 Agenda. This research aims to discuss the importance of highlighting the four pillars – economy, society, accessibility, and diplomacy – plus environmental concerns as a way to showcase the importance of space activity and data for the use toward sustainable development objectives worldwide. Additionally, it is important to discuss how other actions plans such as the African Union 2063 plan or the Addis Ababa Action Agenda can give insight toward the Space2030 Agenda. It is important to look at how non-state actors and other sectors can work with the space sector in order to achieve sustainability and the SDGs. As was stated in the Proposal by the Bureau of the Working Group on the “Space2030” Agenda on a draft structure of a “Space2030” Agenda (A/AC.105/C.1/L.372), the aim is to “provide a common understanding of the potential and challenges of bringing the benefits of space to Earth, in the space sector as well as the non-space sector, as close collaboration between the two sectors is vital for reaping the benefits of using space technologies and applications for sustainable development.” This is key for working with intities outside of the space sector. However it is also important to look at how even within the space sector (or also outside of), “In fulfilling the “Space2030” agenda and its implementation plan, importance is attached to global partnership and strengthened cooperation among Member States, United Nations entities, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and private sector entities, to ensure that through joint efforts and profiting from the practical experiences and contributions of different stakeholders, the benefits of space will be brought to everyone, everywhere” (A/AC.105/C.1/L.372). Keeping these points in mind, the paper will discuss all aspects of international collaboration, inter-sectorial interaction, and non-member state inclusion to be considered for the Space2030 Agenda.