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.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 21 June 2026

Interested applicants must complete the official submission process before the deadline.

About the Outer Space Security Conference 2026

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:

Diplomats
Government representatives
Military officials
Technical experts
Researchers and academics
Industry leaders
International organizations
Civil society representatives

By participating in the Youth Video Competition, young innovators gain a direct pathway into these critical international discussions.

Why This Competition Matters

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:

Space sustainability
Cybersecurity threats
Data integrity
Space debris
Infrastructure resilience
International cooperation
Responsible space governance

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.

Competition Theme

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.

Suggested Areas of Focus

Applicants may explore a wide variety of technical and research topics, including but not limited to:

1. Shared Technical Standards

Common technical protocols
Interoperability frameworks
International standards for space operations
Collaborative infrastructure solutions

2. Cyber-Resilient Space Architecture

Satellite cybersecurity
Protection against cyberattacks
Resilient network design
Secure mission operations

3. Data Link Integrity

Secure communications systems
Anti-jamming technologies
Data authentication methods
Signal protection innovations

4. Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures

Transparency-enhancing technologies
Verification mechanisms
Trust-building systems for space operations

5. Open-Source Monitoring Frameworks

Space situational awareness
Open-data platforms
Monitoring and tracking systems
Public-access analytical tools

6. Innovative Engineering Solutions

Sustainable satellite designs
Collision avoidance systems
Infrastructure resilience improvements
New approaches to long-term space sustainability

Participants are encouraged to identify weaknesses within existing systems and propose practical, technically informed solutions that can strengthen global space security.

Competition Objectives

The OS26 Youth Video Competition seeks to:

Promote meaningful youth engagement in international space security discussions.
Showcase innovative and diverse perspectives on the future of space governance.
Encourage emerging leaders to participate in shaping global policy conversations.
Highlight technical research that contributes to peaceful and sustainable space activities.
Amplify voices from diverse geographical, cultural, and academic backgrounds.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to young people worldwide who meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.
Applicants may come from any country.
Only one submission is permitted per participant.
Videos must be original creations of the entrant.

The organizers strongly encourage submissions representing diverse geographic regions, genders, and perspectives.

Video Requirements

Applicants must ensure their submissions meet all technical and content requirements.

Video Length

Minimum: 1 minute
Maximum: 3 minutes

File Format

Videos must be submitted in .mp4 format.

Audio and Visual Components

The submission must contain:

Audio
Visual content
Subtitles

All elements must be combined into a single file.

Language Requirements

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

Important AI Usage Rules

UNIDIR has established clear guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence.

Not Allowed

Participants may not use generative AI to create:

The core video narrative
The script
The presenter’s likeness
Fully AI-generated videos

Using AI to replace original creative effort will result in disqualification.

Permitted Uses

AI-assisted tools may be used for:

Technical visualizations
Engineering schematics
Conceptual design renderings
Animations demonstrating physical processes
Technical illustrations supporting original research

Any AI use must be disclosed in the submission form, and the underlying engineering concepts must remain entirely the participant’s original work.

Selection Criteria

A diverse panel of judges from UNIDIR and CIGI will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

1. Originality and Creativity

Judges will assess the uniqueness and innovation of the proposed ideas.

2. Relevance to the Theme

Submissions must clearly connect to space security and sustainability challenges.

3. Clarity and Technical Quality

Ideas should be communicated effectively and supported by sound technical reasoning.

4. Awareness of Space Security Issues

Participants should demonstrate an understanding of current challenges affecting the space environment.

5. Engaging Presentation

Videos should be compelling, thoughtful, and accessible to a broad audience.

The evaluation process has been designed to promote fairness, transparency, and diversity.

Benefits for Selected Winners

The rewards offered through the OS26 Youth Video Competition extend far beyond travel support.

Selected winners will receive:

Fully Funded Participation in Geneva

The award includes:

Round-trip economy airfare
Accommodation during the conference
Per diem support for selected meals

International Exposure

Winners will present their work before a global audience of:

Policymakers
Diplomats
Technical experts
Industry leaders
Researchers

Conference Presentation Opportunity

Selected videos will be premiered during the conference through dedicated lightning talk sessions.

Global Recognition

Winning videos will be featured on the UNIDIR website and promoted through UNIDIR communication channels.

Publication Opportunity

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.

Intellectual Property and Participation Conditions

By submitting an entry, participants agree that UNIDIR may:

Use submitted videos for promotional purposes.
Edit videos for editorial use.
Include videos in conference compilations.
Use participants’ names and likenesses in connection with UNIDIR materials.

Participants should note that submitting a video does not grant permission to use UNIDIR or United Nations logos for personal or commercial purposes.

Why Young Researchers Should Apply

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 here for more and to apply

Final Deadline

21 June 2026

Click here for more global Competition opportunities

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