Award

UNIDIR and CIGI Launch the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Video Competition: Win a Fully Funded Trip to Geneva, Switzerland

Organisation · Africa

At a glance

Type: Award
Organisation: Organisation
Location: Africa
Work mode: On-site
Deadline: Rolling / not stated
Posted: 9 Jun 2026

About this award

Young researchers and aspiring space innovators from around the world now have a unique opportunity to contribute to global conversations on the future of space security. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), has officially launched the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (OS26) Youth Video Competition. This prestigious international competition invites young people aged 18 to 25 to showcase their research, technical expertise, and innovative ideas on how emerging developments in space architecture can help address growing security and sustainability challenges in outer space. Successful participants will receive a fully funded opportunity to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, attend the Outer Space Security Conference 2026, and present their work before an audience of diplomats, technical experts, policymakers, military officials, academics, and private-sector leaders. <h2>Application Deadline</h2> Deadline: 21 June 2026 Interested applicants must complete the official submission process before the deadline. <h2>About the Outer Space Security Conference 2026</h2> The Outer Space Security Conference (OS26) is UNIDIR’s flagship annual event focused on the rapidly evolving field of space security. Scheduled to take place on 8–9 September 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, the conference serves as a global platform where experts and decision-makers discuss emerging threats, opportunities, and policy solutions related to the peaceful use of outer space. The event brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diplomats</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Government representatives</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Military officials</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technical experts</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Researchers and academics</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Industry leaders</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International organizations</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Civil society representatives</li> </ul> By participating in the Youth Video Competition, young innovators gain a direct pathway into these critical international discussions. <h2>Why This Competition Matters</h2> Outer space has become increasingly important to modern life. Communications, navigation systems, climate monitoring, disaster management, national security operations, and scientific research all depend on space-based infrastructure. As the number of satellites and space missions continues to grow, so do concerns surrounding: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Space sustainability</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cybersecurity threats</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Data integrity</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Space debris</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infrastructure resilience</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International cooperation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Responsible space governance</li> </ul> Recognizing the importance of youth perspectives, UNIDIR and CIGI are creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and researchers to contribute ideas that can strengthen global stability and ensure outer space remains a peaceful and secure environment for all humanity. The initiative is inspired by the principles of the Outer Space Treaty, which emphasizes that outer space should be explored and used for the benefit of all countries regardless of their level of development and should remain the province of all humankind. <h2>Competition Theme</h2> Participants are invited to submit a 1–3 minute original video addressing the following challenge: How can innovations in space architecture and technical systems contribute to a more secure, resilient, and sustainable outer space environment? Applicants are encouraged to present original research demonstrating how updates to space systems can solve modern security and sustainability challenges. UNIDIR is particularly interested in ideas that address emerging threats and help ensure that critical space assets remain protected from disruption while supporting long-term sustainability. <h2>Suggested Areas of Focus</h2> Applicants may explore a wide variety of technical and research topics, including but not limited to: <h3>1. Shared Technical Standards</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Common technical protocols</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Interoperability frameworks</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International standards for space operations</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Collaborative infrastructure solutions</li> </ul> <h3>2. Cyber-Resilient Space Architecture</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Satellite cybersecurity</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protection against cyberattacks</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Resilient network design</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure mission operations</li> </ul> <h3>3. Data Link Integrity</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure communications systems</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-jamming technologies</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Data authentication methods</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Signal protection innovations</li> </ul> <h3>4. Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transparency-enhancing technologies</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Verification mechanisms</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Trust-building systems for space operations</li> </ul> <h3>5. Open-Source Monitoring Frameworks</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Space situational awareness</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Open-data platforms</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monitoring and tracking systems</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Public-access analytical tools</li> </ul> <h3>6. Innovative Engineering Solutions</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sustainable satellite designs</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Collision avoidance systems</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infrastructure resilience improvements</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">New approaches to long-term space sustainability</li> </ul> Participants are encouraged to identify weaknesses within existing systems and propose practical, technically informed solutions that can strengthen global space security. <h2>Competition Objectives</h2> The OS26 Youth Video Competition seeks to: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Promote meaningful youth engagement in international space security discussions.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Showcase innovative and diverse perspectives on the future of space governance.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encourage emerging leaders to participate in shaping global policy conversations.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Highlight technical research that contributes to peaceful and sustainable space activities.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amplify voices from diverse geographical, cultural, and academic backgrounds.</li> </ul> <h2>Who Can Apply?</h2> The competition is open to young people worldwide who meet the following criteria: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Applicants may come from any country.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Only one submission is permitted per participant.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Videos must be original creations of the entrant.</li> </ul> The organizers strongly encourage submissions representing diverse geographic regions, genders, and perspectives. <h2>Video Requirements</h2> Applicants must ensure their submissions meet all technical and content requirements. <h3>Video Length</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Minimum: 1 minute</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maximum: 3 minutes</li> </ul> <h3>File Format</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Videos must be submitted in .mp4 format.</li> </ul> <h3>Audio and Visual Components</h3> The submission must contain: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Audio</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visual content</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Subtitles</li> </ul> All elements must be combined into a single file. <h3>Language Requirements</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Videos may be submitted in any language.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Non-English videos must include English closed captions.</li> </ul> <h2>Important AI Usage Rules</h2> UNIDIR has established clear guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence. <h3>Not Allowed</h3> Participants may not use generative AI to create: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The core video narrative</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The script</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The presenter’s likeness</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fully AI-generated videos</li> </ul> Using AI to replace original creative effort will result in disqualification. <h3>Permitted Uses</h3> AI-assisted tools may be used for: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technical visualizations</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Engineering schematics</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conceptual design renderings</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Animations demonstrating physical processes</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technical illustrations supporting original research</li> </ul> Any AI use must be disclosed in the submission form, and the underlying engineering concepts must remain entirely the participant’s original work. <h2>Selection Criteria</h2> A diverse panel of judges from UNIDIR and CIGI will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria: <h3>1. Originality and Creativity</h3> Judges will assess the uniqueness and innovation of the proposed ideas. <h3>2. Relevance to the Theme</h3> Submissions must clearly connect to space security and sustainability challenges. <h3>3. Clarity and Technical Quality</h3> Ideas should be communicated effectively and supported by sound technical reasoning. <h3>4. Awareness of Space Security Issues</h3> Participants should demonstrate an understanding of current challenges affecting the space environment. <h3>5. Engaging Presentation</h3> Videos should be compelling, thoughtful, and accessible to a broad audience. The evaluation process has been designed to promote fairness, transparency, and diversity. <h2>Benefits for Selected Winners</h2> The rewards offered through the OS26 Youth Video Competition extend far beyond travel support. Selected winners will receive: <h3>Fully Funded Participation in Geneva</h3> The award includes: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Round-trip economy airfare</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Accommodation during the conference</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Per diem support for selected meals</li> </ul> <h3>International Exposure</h3> Winners will present their work before a global audience of: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policymakers</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diplomats</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Technical experts</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Industry leaders</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Researchers</li> </ul> <h3>Conference Presentation Opportunity</h3> Selected videos will be premiered during the conference through dedicated lightning talk sessions. <h3>Global Recognition</h3> Winning videos will be featured on the UNIDIR website and promoted through UNIDIR communication channels. <h3>Publication Opportunity</h3> Selected participants may also have the chance to transform their video project and conference experience into a commentary article for publication on the UNIDIR website. <h2>Intellectual Property and Participation Conditions</h2> By submitting an entry, participants agree that UNIDIR may: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use submitted videos for promotional purposes.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Edit videos for editorial use.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Include videos in conference compilations.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use participants’ names and likenesses in connection with UNIDIR materials.</li> </ul> Participants should note that submitting a video does not grant permission to use UNIDIR or United Nations logos for personal or commercial purposes. <h2>Why Young Researchers Should Apply</h2> The OS26 Youth Video Competition represents far more than a traditional contest. It offers a rare opportunity to influence international conversations about one of the most important frontiers of the 21st century. Participants can showcase their technical expertise, contribute original research, gain global visibility, network with leading experts, and help shape future approaches to space security and sustainability. For ambitious young scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators interested in the future of space governance, this competition provides a direct platform to share ideas that could contribute to a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable space environment for future generations. Click <a href="https://unidir.org/call-for-submissions-outer-space-security-conference-2026-youth-video-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more and to apply <h2>Final Deadline</h2> 21 June 2026 Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=Competition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more global Competition opportunities   The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/09/unidir-and-cigi-launch-the-outer-space-security-conference-2026-youth-video-competition-win-a-fully-funded-trip-to-geneva-switzerland/">UNIDIR and CIGI Launch the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Video Competition: Win a Fully Funded Trip to Geneva, Switzerland</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.

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