Deadline: June 21, 2026
Applications are open for the UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition 2026. This year, UNIDIR is once again partnering with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) to launch the OS26 Youth Video Competition—an opportunity for young leaders and future space stewards to actively contribute to this global dialogue.
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 OS26 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 platforms.
This competition aims to:
- Promote meaningful youth engagement in global space security discussions.
- Showcase creative and diverse perspectives on the future of space security.
- Encourage the next generation to shape inclusive space governance.
Theme
UNIDIR invites individuals aged 18–25 from around the world to submit a 1–3 minute original video on the following prompt:
Maintaining outer space as a peaceful environment depends on the technical resilience of the architectures and systems we launch. Innovations in design can allow us to share this environment securely and sustainably, and so the work of the next generation of engineers and scientists is an important driver of global stability. We invite you to lead this conversation by showcasing your technical research and explaining what innovations to space systems you think could contribute to a more secure and sustainable space for all humankind.
This year’s prompt invites you to showcase your original research that illustrates how specific updates to space architecture can solve modern security and sustainability dilemmas. They are particularly interested in how your work addresses the evolving threat landscape to ensure that space assets remain secure from disruption and sustainable for future operations.
Your work could focus on the development of shared technical standards, integrity of data links, cyber-resilient architecture, enhanced transparency designs, open-source monitoring frameworks, and beyond. By identifying specific weak points in current systems and proposing potential solutions, you demonstrate how technical innovation can be a tool for global stability. Show us how your work provides the essential blueprints for a secure, inclusive, and sustainable space frontier.
Prizes
- A fully funded trip to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the OS26 conference in person, including round-trip economy airfare, accommodation for the duration of the OS26, 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 your video to a global audience.
- Selected videos will be featured on the UNIDIR website.
- Selected winners will have an opportunity to transform their video and OS26 experience into a brief commentary to be published on the UNIDIR website.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals aged 18–25 from any country.
- Only one submission per person.
- Submissions must be original content created by the entrant.
- Generative AI cannot be used to create the core video narrative, script, or presenter likeness. However, AI-assisted tools may be used solely for technical visualizations, such as generating schematics, conceptual design renderings, or animations of physical sequences (e.g., docking maneuvers), provided the underlying engineering concept is entirely the entrant’s original work and the use of AI is disclosed in the submission form. Fully AI-generated videos or imagery used to bypass original creative effort are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
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.
- Entries must comply with applicable laws and be free of copyrighted material not owned by the creator.
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.
Application
For more information, visit UNIDIR Youth Video Competition.
