Call for Submissions: Outer Space Security Conference 2025 Youth Video Competition (win a fully-funded trip to Switzerland)

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About Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition

On 9-10 September, UNIDIR will host its annual Outer Space Security Conference (#OS25) in Geneva, Switzerland, and online. This flagship event brings together diplomats, technical experts, military officials, private sector leaders, and academics to explore the evolving landscape of space security and shape international responses to its challenges.

Following last year’s success, UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme is once again partnering with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) to launch the OS25 youth video competition. This is an exciting opportunity for young leaders and future space stewards to actively contribute to this global dialogue.

Why a video competition?

The Outer Space Treaty – the foundation of international space law – emphasizes that outer space shall be explored and used for the benefit of all countries, regardless of their level of development, and shall be the province of all humankind. In this spirit, the OS25 youth video competition is designed to amplify diverse voices and ensure that youth perspectives are included in the multilateral space security conversation. Winners will be invited to Geneva to present their work in person, with their videos featured during the conference and promoted across UNIDIR’s platforms.

The OS25 competition aims to:

• Promote meaningful youth engagement in global space security discussions.
• Showcase creative and diverse perspectiveson the future of space security.
• Encourage the next generation to shape inclusive space governance.

What is the theme?

UNIDIR invites individuals aged 18–25 from around the world to submit a 1–3-minute original video on the following theme:

It’s the year 2050. You work on outer space security, shaping space governance as a treaty negotiator, orbital traffic controller, policy advisor, infrastructure inspector – or something else entirely. What challenge do you face and how are you responding?

This year’s prompt invites youth to look to the future and imagine themselves in a position of leadership and responsibility in the year 2050. As a space security policymaker, regulator, diplomat, or technical expert, what issues are on your desk? What new challenges have emerged and how are you responding to ensure that outer space is maintained as a peaceful and secure environment?

This is an opportunity to horizon-scan, to think beyond today’s concerns and anticipate what challenges might lie ahead. Through this creative exercise, we invite young minds to reflect on the future of outer space governance and security and how today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s world. What kind of leadership will be needed to keep space secure, sustainable and equitable for all?

You don’t have to be a space professional today. But in this video, you are. Show them your vision for space security in the next 25 years.

• Sponsor Organisation: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

Benefits of Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition

• A fully funded trip to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the OS25 – including round-trip economy airfare, accommodation for the duration of the conference, and per diems to cover some meals during those dates.
• Lightning talk premiere of the winners’ videos during the conference with the opportunity to present the videos to a global audience.
• Selected videos will be featured on the UNIDIR website.
• Selected winners will have an opportunity to transform their video and OS25 experience into a brief commentary to be published on the UNIDIR website.

Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition Requirements

Who can participate?

• Individuals aged 18–25 from any country.

Application Date and Process

• Video: Create a 1-3-minute video based on this year’s theme.
• Submission and deadline: Complete this submission form by Friday, 18 July 2025.
• Contact: For questions or technical issues, please email [email protected].

Submission guidelines

• Only one submission per person is allowed.
• Submissions must be original content created by the entrant.
• AI-generated images or videos are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
• Entries must comply with applicable laws and be free of copyrighted material not owned by the creator.

Technical requirements

• Videos must be submitted in .mp4 format, with audio, visuals, and subtitles in one file.
• Any language may be used, but videos not in English must include English closed captions.
• If possible, videos should be produced in landscape (horizontal) mode, rather than portrait (vertical) mode. Portrait videos, however, will not be disqualified.

Selection criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Originality and creativity
• Relevance to the theme
• Clarity and technical quality
• Awareness of space security issues
• Engaging and thoughtful delivery

All submissions will be reviewed according to the pre-established criteria by a diverse panel of judges drawn from across UNIDIR and CIGI. The judging process is designed to ensure fairness, balance and transparency, with attention to geographic, gender and disciplinary diversity.

Entries that reflect youth, gender and regional diversity perspectives are highly encouraged.

Application Deadline

18 July, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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