Sustainability in space and through space – global dialogue at the United Nations World Space Forum in Bonn

Greater sustainability in space

One of the forum's central topics will be the issue of space debris. Defunct satellites, spent rocket stages and other orbital debris pose a growing threat to active satellites, which are essential for global communication, navigation and weather services. The increasing concentration of satellites and the growing volume of space 'traffic' demand urgent solutions – such as an international space traffic management.

"The Pact for the Future, adopted at the Summit of the Future, underscores the critical importance of space for sustainable development and global cooperation within the framework of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)," says Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. "For the United Nations and the Secretary-General, space activities are a key instrument for climate protection, disaster management and a sustainable future. My special thanks go to the German Space Agency at DLR and to our partners Peru and the United Arab Emirates for organising the World Space Forum 2024. This forum brings the vision of the Pact for the Future to life and supports concrete steps towards the sustainable use of space, which we can collectively advance for the benefit of humanity and within the framework of COPUOS."

Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR, adds "The peaceful and sustainable use of space is in all of our interests. The UN World Space Forum is the ideal platform to bring international stakeholders together and effectively discuss these issues. We are very pleased to have brought this forum to Bonn this year".

In addition to the sustainable use of Earth’s orbits, the forum will also address the sustainable exploration of the Moon. The international community will discuss how future lunar missions can be designed to be as responsible and environmentally compatible as possible.

While these challenges are significant, space holds enormous potential for addressing global problems on Earth. Satellite-based Earth observation services and communication networks are invaluable tools for combating climate change, managing disasters and promoting sustainable development worldwide. These and other topics will be extensively discussed at the World Space Forum 2024 in Bonn. Around 450 experts from 90 countries will exchange their experiences and visions for a more sustainable space sector.

Space and society – partners for a sustainable future

The World Space Forum serves as an important platform for dialogue between international space actors and representatives from civil society, academia, industry and politics. It offers an opportunity to establish new partnerships aimed at making space activities more sustainable and leveraging their potential for Earth. It also highlights German and European contributions to the implementation of the United Nations Space2030 Agenda, which recognises space as a 'driver for sustainable development'.

Milestone for international cooperation

The 2024 World Space Forum in Bonn actively contributes to implementing the United Nations Pact for the Future, which was adopted in September 2024 by heads of state and government at the UN Summit of the Future in New York. This international pact, supported by Germany as co-facilitator, establishes specific objectives for sustainable space governance and strengthens international cooperation.

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