UNIDAR Outer Space Security Conference 2025 in Switzerland

On 9-10 September, UNIDIR will host its annual Outer Space Security Conference (#OS25) in Geneva, Switzerland, and online. This flagship event brings together diplomats, technical experts, military officials, private sector leaders, and academics to explore the evolving landscape of space security and shape international responses to its challenges.

This year, for the second time, UNIDIR, in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), is opening the door for youth participation through the OS25 Youth Video Competition. This unique initiative invites young leaders aged 18–25 from around the world to contribute their visions for the future of space security and join the conversation with top-level experts.

Participants will be selected through a video-based application process. Chosen delegates will travel to Geneva to engage in high-level panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and cross-cultural exchange activities.

Eligibility

• Open to individuals aged 18–25 from any country
• Applicants must submit a 1–3-minute original video responding to the 2025 theme
• Videos must be original content (no AI-generated visuals or clips)
• Submissions must be in landscape (horizontal) format
• Videos must be submitted in .mp4 format, with audio, visuals, and subtitles in one file.
• Videos may be in any language, but non-English videos must include English closed captions
• No prior experience in space science or diplomacy is required

Program Dates

• Application Deadline: 18 July 2025
• Conference Dates: 9–10 September 2025
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Program Coverage/Benefits

• A fully funded trip to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the OS25 – including round-trip economy airfare, accommodation for the duration of the conference, and per diems to cover some meals during those dates.
• Lightning talk premiere of the winners’ videos during the conference with the opportunity to present the videos to a global audience.
• Selected videos will be featured on the UNIDIR website.
• Selected winners will have an opportunity to transform their video and OS25 experience into a brief commentary to be published on the UNIDIR website.
  Note: There is no application or registration fee. All travel and participation costs are covered.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their original video online through the official application form. Submissions will be judged based on creativity, clarity, relevance to the theme, and vision. No registration fee is required. Only selected participants will be contacted.

Theme of this year

The theme for the 2025 edition is:
It’s the year 2050. You work on outer space security, shaping space governance as a treaty negotiator, orbital traffic controller, policy advisor, infrastructure inspector – or something else entirely. What challenge do you face and how are you responding?

This year’s prompt invites youth to look to the future and imagine themselves in a position of leadership and responsibility in the year 2050. As a space security policymaker, regulator, diplomat, or technical expert, what issues are on your desk? What new challenges have emerged and how are you responding to ensure that outer space is maintained as a peaceful and secure environment?

Additional information

• Only one submission per person is allowed.
• Submissions must be original content created by the entrant.
• AI-generated images or videos are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
• Entries must comply with applicable laws and be free of copyrighted material not owned by the creator.