Space 18th SDG – A Side Event at COPUOS Legal SubCommittee – 16 April 2026

Space has become critical infrastructure for climate monitoring, disaster risk reduction, connectivity, navigation, education, and long-term planetary resilience. Even more important, space is an open horizon for new industrial development and settlement, starting with Earth orbit, the geo-lunar system, and the near-Earth asteroids. The Space 18th SDG initiative proposes a non-regulatory, enabling framework that strengthens the existing 17 SDGs by recognizing outer space as both an enabler of sustainable development and an environment requiring stewardship.

THE PANEL:

• Prof. Sergio Marchisio, Space Law Expert, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
• Ms. Fikiswa Majola, Deputy Director Space Systems, Department of Science and Technology (DST), South Africa
• Dr. Claire Nelson, The Future Forum, Giamaica
• Dr. Ayman Ahmed,  Senior Director Space Programs, Egyptian Space Agency
• Sir John Martin Thomas, H.R.H. / S.A.R. Maharaja of Mithi, 125th Descendant of King Ghodapares, EU-India Expert
• Adriano V. Autino, SRI CEO & Founder
• Maria Antonietta Perino, Thales Alenia Space, Italy
• Stefano Antonetti, D-ORBIT SpA, Strategy Director, Italy

MODERATES:

• Dr. Gülin Dede, SRI Director of Partnerships, Chair of the Space 18th SDG Coalition

Follow the Livestream on the Space Renaissance YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/LPQS-xRm5DA 

and click ‘going’ on the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1423414796251042/