Niklas Hedman, Acting Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
Interview
Space exploration and utilization are invaluable for building the future we want. When the first satellite entered space, we had not even dreamt of the breadth of benefits this achievement would bring down the road. Today, space assets influence our daily lives, and their applications and services transform industries across the board. This is what the Space for Our Planet Exhibition represents – a window to exceptional individuals and projects about space benefits at arm’s reach to all of you.
As we look to the future, we must work hand in hand to ensure universal access to these solutions to address global, national, and local challenges. Equality and diversity must be at the center of all efforts as involving everyone and making all voices heard are crucial to leaving no one behind.
There will be challenges along the way. Finding the balance between regulation and limitless expansion, tackling the problem of space debris, and understanding the space environment even better are but a few examples. Addressing them will require ever-stronger multilateral cooperation, one that has flourished at the United Nations for decades, especially through the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
At the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, we are devoted to bridging the space capabilities gap and promoting sustainable use of space for a sustainable future on Earth. We are helping find international solutions to complex issues, bring more and more nations into the space community, and advance efforts in building an equal and diverse sector.
Bold goals require an all-hands-on-deck approach. I hope that one day, you will join us in this journey to build the future we all dream of.
As you read these lines, I encourage you to seize upon whatever ideas you might have. A single bright moment might one day change the world. The vastness of space reminds us that the possibilities for us are endless.
