Newswise — European institutions continue to reflect on the uses of and needs for security in space. Furthermore, the United States has undergone a series of major space reviews this past year.
To explore European and U.S. perspectives on these issues, Secure World Foundation joined forces with the French Institute of International Relations’ (Ifri) Space Policy Program to foster open discussion on topics of mutual interest in the space security arena.
Ifri is France’s leading independent international relations center dedicated to policy-oriented research and analysis of global political affairs.
The Continuing Story of Europe and Space Security was the title of the program, bringing together top-level international authorities from a wide array of organizations, such as:
The European Union and European Space Agency, France’s Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, ImageCat, Inc. of the U.S., the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response, as well as the Swedish Defense Research Agency and Belgian Federal Office for Science Policy, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of State.
This influential gathering of experts took place on October 4-5 at the Conseil Central de l’Economie in Brussels.
Space policy dialogue
“This is an important time, both for Europe and the United States in formulating responses to the challenges of operating safely and sustainably in outer space,” said Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation. “SWF is very pleased to be able to contribute to the space policy dialogue in this, our first event in Brussels. We were especially pleased to partner with the French organization, Ifri, in the event.”
The two-day meeting featured a keynote address by Marcia Smith, President of the Space and Technology Policy Group, LLC, titled: “U.S. Space Policy: What has Changed.” Ms. Smith also serves on Secure World Foundation’s (SWF) Advisory Committee.
Other highlights of the meeting included a panel on the Evolving Management of Space Issues in Europe moderated by Laurence Nardon, Head of the Space Policy Program at Ifri.
Subsequent panels of experts discussed:
-- Space for Crisis Management, moderated by Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Space Policy Consultant for Secure World Foundation
-- Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Space, led by SWF’s Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director
-- The Benefits of Space Sustainability, moderated by Theresa Hitchens, Director, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
SWF in Brussels
“We were very pleased with the caliber of participants and the high quality of presentations. Issues discussed were of great importance, thus, the audience was very much engaged. We do hope to continue our collaboration with Ifri in the future on topics affecting European space efforts,” said Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Consultant for Secure World Foundation, based in Brussels, Belgium.
“This was the first event SWF has held in Brussels,” Lukaszczyk noted. “It was very important to the Foundation as we are in the process of establishing a European office in the city.”
For details on The Continuing Story of Europe and Space Security, go to the Ifri website at:
Contact Information:
Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive DirectorSecure World FoundationPhone: 303-554-1560Email: [email protected]
Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, ConsultantSecure World FoundationBrussels, BelgiumPhone: + 32498562814Email: [email protected]
About Secure World Foundation
Secure World Foundation (SWF) is headquartered in Superior, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium.
SWF is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.
SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space sustainability. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth’s environment and human security.
The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.
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