DECLARATION OF THE SPACE GENERATION

The Space Generation Forum convened at the United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III), held in Vienna from 19 to 30 July 1999.

We, the Space Generation, representing the worldwide visions of youth, commit ourselves to ensure the future of humankind.

The beauty of the Cosmos continually inspires wonder and curiosity. Throughout history, space has provided humanity with both practical benefits and fertile grounds for the imagination. In ancient times, the lights in the sky guided us to navigate ships, to plant crops and to determine the seasons. 

The combination of human ingenuity and the rich province of space has yielded benefits which we had not imagined possible only a century ago. Through our increased insight and resourcefulness, we have made the first steps toward visiting some of the celestial bodies which once guided our way.  Together with future generations, we will be the next explorers to unravel the mysteries  of the Universe.

In leaving the Earth’s cradle in the quest for understanding our place in the Universe, we are entrusted by the next generations with the sustainable development of the planet for our peaceful future. 

We, the Space Generation, regardless of culture, language and creed must ensure that space exploration will improve the quality of life for the benefit of all humankind.

We express the hope and the conviction that our common future ought to proceed ethically, with an understanding of the long-term consequences of our actions, and with all of humanity walking forward together as one. 

Therefore, we declare that the following elements should form the basis for humanity’s further peaceful exploration and equitable utilization of space:

I. UNIVERSAL SPACE EDUCATION:

 1. OOSA and UNESCO should promote the integration of space into education curricula of UN member states. This dissemination of resources and knowledge should be a cooperative effort between corporations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Governments on both domestic and international levels to improve literacy, space knowledge, public awareness and support. It is possible that the International Space University could play a moderator role.

 2. A Space Prize should be introduced with the equivalent stature and status of the Nobel Prize. This prize is intended for the recognition of outstanding achievements for the implementation and promotion of international cooperation, through communication and transfer of knowledge in promoting peaceful application of space for the benefit of society.  It is then envisaged this prize will:

   a. Advocate the peaceful uses of space;

   b. Highlight the awareness of achievements of bringing space closer to society;

   b. Promote international cooperation through professional interaction;
 

II.  MEETING BASIC NEEDS ETHICALLY:

 1. The UN and the mobile satellite communication operators should work together to establish a memorandum of understanding for priority access to mobile satellite communication networks during disasters and emergencies;

 2. Given many programs throughout the world currently exist with the ideal of reaching developing countries with need-solving space technologies, we recommend a UN endorsed strategic plan  which would implement these technologies with cultural and ecological sensitivity in exchange for the discontinuation of globally harmful activities. 

III. COOPERATION AMONG NATIONS: 

 1. An international space authority  should be constituted to allow:

  a. Facilitation of international cooperation for optimal management of global challenges in space, such as space debris, remote sensing standards, detection of land mines from space, protection of the space environment and legal frameworks for space investments;

  b. Improved access for all peoples to the material benefits and knowledge and understanding enabled by the exploration and use of space resources;

 2. An international space chamber of  commerce should be created to maximize the economic value of all space activities. This is to be achieved by facilitating long term investments to accelerate space exploration and development, promoting the emergence of new markets, and stimulating developing nations to establish space infrastructure. This organization will serve to bring commercial, national and academic organizations together, encouraging self-standardization, allowing all nations to benefit from current and future space technologies, and to increase worldwide public awareness. 

IV.  AN ENDURING HUMAN PRESENCE ON EARTH AND IN SPACE:

 1. The UN is appealed to, to recognize the outer space hazards and dangers which threaten our planet and take adequate, proactive measures to mitigate and prevent the risks;

 2. An international center for space medicine should be established, to provide a sound basis for the creation, distribution and implementation of state-of-the-art space medicine and its applications for the benefits of humankind on Earth and in space.

V.  MAINTAINING ACCOUNTABILITY TO THESE OBJECTIVES:

 1. Given that we have a responsibility to take an active role in the promotion and development of space, we recommend that a youth advisory council be granted as part of the UN Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space;

 2. The Space Generation Forum should be held every 5 years, with an annual revisit.  The link with the International Space University should be maintained, and the annual revisit should be held in parallel with the annual IAF conference.