An 18th SDG: Space for All, on Earth and Beyond

Since 2015, reusable rockets have dramatically decreased the cost of transportation from Earth to orbit. Such process is paving the path toward a civilian space development and astropolitical uses of space as well. 2015 can now be identified as a “turning point” in history, signifying a change of paradigm, from “traditional” aerospace to a “new space” age.The U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, was conceptualized during the traditional aerospace age: outer space was not considered, as a dimension that helps to increase the sustainability of development. A similar complete denial of the contribution of space to sustainability was the so-called “limits to growth” concept, issued by the Club of Rome and the MIT in 1972. Despite all the dismissive denials, space science and technologies are supporting social and environmental goals on Earth, for many years. Yet that will not be enough. To allow a real sustainable development, it is indispensable and urgent to start a civilian space development, outside Earth boundaries. In order to decrease our ecological footprint on planet Earth, we don’t need to reduce or stop our development, that would imply a rapid decay of civilization. As stated in the 1986 U.N. resolution, development is a universal civil right, therefore we need a more advanced concept of sustainability: the only way to moderate their footprint on Earth, for 8 billion terrestrials,  would be to commence development elsewhere.The UN 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals needs to be updated, to encompass space as an essential asset for sustainable development, on Earth and beyond.

Interest is growing around such proposal, and several space development and advocacy groups are joining together to support this idea including the National Space Society International Committee, Space Renaissance International, Expanding Frontiers, The Beyond Earth Institute, and many others.

The above alliance is proposing an 18^th SDG to be added:

“Space for All, on Earth and Beyond, a civilian-led space development, with human communities living and working in outer space to expand and multiply benefits to all the peoples of Earth.”

During the virtual event of 12 June 2023, all of the promoters will announce the #Space18SDG initiative to the world, providing a choral presentation of their rationales and motivations for supporting this great historic campaign.

A report will also be provided about the COPUOS(*) 66^th session, 31 May – 9 June, in which the NSS representatives will officially propose the 18^th SDG to the COPUOS State Parties.

Among the Speakers

Al Anzaldua (NSS), Bernard Foing (SRI), Bob Zubrin (The Mrs Society), Frederick Jenet (NSS), Karlton Johnson (NSS), Marlène Losier (SRI), Frank White (HSP), Steve Wolfe (BEI), Sam Coniglio (Space Tourism Society), Adriano V. Autino (SRI).

(*) COPUOS: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, a committee of the United Nations

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