OS26 Youth Video Competition @United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has officially launched the OS26 Youth Video Competition, inviting young innovators, researchers, engineers, and aspiring space leaders from around the world to contribute their ideas on the future of space security and sustainability.

The competition forms part of the upcoming Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (OS26), UNIDIR’s flagship annual event, which will take place on 8–9 September 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, and online. Organized in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), the initiative seeks to amplify youth voices in global discussions surrounding the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.

Selected winners will receive a fully funded opportunity to attend the conference in Geneva and present their work to an international audience of policymakers, diplomats, technical experts, academics, military officials, and private sector leaders.

Empowering Youth to Shape the Future of Space Security

The OS26 Youth Video Competition reflects UNIDIR’s commitment to ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping international conversations on emerging security challenges in outer space.

The initiative is inspired by the principles of the Outer Space Treaty, which emphasizes that outer space should be explored and utilized for the benefit of all countries and humanity as a whole.

Through this competition, UNIDIR aims to:

• Promote meaningful youth participation in global space security discussions.
• Showcase innovative and diverse perspectives on the future of outer space governance.
• Encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, and policymakers to contribute to sustainable and secure space activities.
• Strengthen inclusivity within multilateral space security dialogues.

Competition Theme Focuses on Technical Innovation and Global Stability

For the 2026 edition, participants are invited to explore how technical innovations can enhance the security and sustainability of space systems.

Applicants must create an original video responding to the following challenge:

How can innovations in space architecture and system design contribute to a more secure, resilient, and sustainable outer space environment for future generations?

UNIDIR is particularly interested in submissions that demonstrate original technical research and propose practical solutions to contemporary space security challenges.

Potential topics may include:

• Cyber-resilient space systems.
• Shared technical standards for space operations.
• Transparency-enhancing technologies.
• Open-source monitoring and tracking frameworks.
• Secure communications and data-link integrity.
• Sustainable satellite architecture.
• Space traffic management innovations.
• Technologies that reduce risks of interference or disruption in space activities.

Participants are encouraged to identify vulnerabilities within existing space systems and propose innovative approaches that strengthen long-term global stability.

Eligibility Requirements

The competition is open to young people worldwide and seeks diverse perspectives from different regions, backgrounds, and disciplines.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 25 years old.
• Be a citizen or resident of any country.
• Submit only one entry.
• Produce original content created by the entrant.

UNIDIR also strongly encourages submissions that incorporate youth, gender, and regional diversity perspectives within discussions of space security and governance.

Rules on Artificial Intelligence Use

To preserve originality and creativity, UNIDIR has established specific guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools.

Participants may not use generative AI to create:

• The core narrative of the video.
• The written script.
• Presenter likenesses or primary content.

However, AI-assisted tools may be used for technical visualizations, including:

• Engineering schematics.
• Conceptual design renderings.
• Technical animations.
• Demonstrations of physical processes and operational concepts.

Any AI-assisted elements must be disclosed during submission, and the underlying engineering concepts must remain entirely the participant’s original work.

Fully AI-generated videos will be disqualified.

Video Submission Requirements

Applicants must adhere to the following technical specifications:

Video Format

• File format: .mp4
• Duration: 1–3 minutes
• Audio, visuals, and subtitles must be combined into a single file.

Language Requirements

• Videos may be submitted in any language.
• Non-English entries must include English closed captions.

Originality Standards

• Entries must not contain copyrighted material without permission.
• All submissions must comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Selection Criteria

A multidisciplinary judging panel composed of representatives from UNIDIR and CIGI will evaluate submissions using a transparent and balanced review process.

Videos will be assessed based on:

• Originality and creativity.
• Relevance to the competition theme.
• Technical quality and clarity.
• Understanding of space security issues.
• Effectiveness of presentation and storytelling.

The judging process will also prioritize fairness and representation across geographic regions, genders, and professional disciplines.

Fully Funded Rewards for Winners

Successful participants will receive a unique opportunity to engage directly with global leaders in space policy and security.

Prize benefits include:

• A fully funded trip to Geneva, Switzerland.
• Round-trip economy-class airfare.
• Accommodation during the conference period.
• Per diem support for meals and related expenses.
• Opportunity to premiere their video during a conference lightning talk session.
• Exposure to an international audience of space security stakeholders.
• Feature placement on the UNIDIR website.
• Opportunity to publish a commentary article based on their research and conference experience.

Important Deadline for Applications

Interested participants must complete and submit their applications by:

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

Questions regarding the competition or technical submission issues may be directed to the UNIDIR team via email.

As global reliance on space technologies continues to grow, the OS26 Youth Video Competition offers an important platform for young innovators to contribute fresh ideas that can help shape a secure, peaceful, and sustainable future in outer space. The initiative provides a rare opportunity for emerging voices to engage directly with international decision-makers while showcasing research that could influence the future of space governance.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.