The UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (OS26) Youth Video Competition is a fully funded opportunity for young innovators, researchers, engineers, and students aged 18 to 25 from any country to attend the Outer Space Security Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, from 8 to 9 September 2026. Winners receive round-trip economy airfare, free accommodation, and per diem support in exchange for submitting a 1 to 3 minute original video on space security and sustainability. No application fee is required. The deadline is 21 June 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Youth Video Competition & Conference Attendance |
| Organising Body | United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) |
| Mode | Offline (In-person, Geneva, Switzerland) |
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Conference Dates | 8–9 September 2026 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 June 2026 |
About the Program
The UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Video Competition is a flagship youth engagement initiative by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, designed to promote meaningful youth participation in global space security discussions and showcase creative, diverse perspectives on the future of outer space governance. Selected winners receive a fully funded trip to Geneva to attend OS26 — one of the most significant annual forums on space security — and are given the opportunity to present their video during the conference itself. Consequently, participants gain direct exposure to senior space policymakers, researchers, and practitioners shaping the governance of outer space at the international level. Furthermore, the program explicitly encourages participants without a background in space science — noting that the video should demonstrate a visionary perspective on space security over the next 25 years rather than requiring existing technical expertise — making this one of the most accessible youth opportunities available in the global space governance space.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to individuals aged 18 to 25 from any country worldwide
- No professional background in space science or engineering is required
- Videos may be submitted in any language; non-English videos must include English closed captions
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must submit a 1 to 3 minute original video addressing the program’s theme
- Video must be original content created entirely by the applicant — no AI-generated images or video are permitted
- Video must not contain copyrighted content not owned by the creator
- Video must be submitted in .mp4 format in landscape (horizontal) mode
- Audio, visuals, and subtitles must all be included within a single file
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Airfare | Round-trip economy-class flights to Geneva, Switzerland |
| Accommodation | Free accommodation provided during the conference |
| Per Diem | Daily support provided for selected meals during the conference |
| Conference Presentation | Opportunity to present the submitted video at OS26 |
| Global Exposure | Feature on UNIDIR platforms and international visibility |
Topics / Themes Covered
Applicants must submit a video addressing the following theme:
“How can innovations in space systems and architecture contribute to a more secure, resilient, and sustainable outer space environment?”
The program’s broader objectives encompass:
- Innovations in space systems and architecture contributing to space security and sustainability
- The future of inclusive and equitable outer space governance
- Youth visions for space security over the next 25 years
- Resilience and conflict prevention in the outer space environment
- Creative and diverse global perspectives on space as a shared human domain
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official UNIDIR OS26 Youth Video Competition portal before 21 June 2026
- Evaluation based on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, and clarity of the vision presented in the video
- No application fee is required at any stage of the process
- Selected winners are invited to Geneva to attend and present at OS26 from 8 to 9 September 2026
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Video Competition application portal.
- Produce an original 1 to 3 minute video in landscape (horizontal) mode addressing the theme: “How can innovations in space systems and architecture contribute to a more secure, resilient, and sustainable outer space environment?”
- Ensure your video is in .mp4 format with audio, visuals, and subtitles included in a single file. If your video is not in English, add English closed captions.
- Confirm that all content in your video is original and that no AI-generated images or video and no unlicensed copyrighted material are included.
- Submit your video and completed application via the official portal before 21 June 2026; no application fee is required.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Video Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 to 3 minutes |
| Format | .mp4 |
| Orientation | Landscape (horizontal) mode |
| Language | Any language accepted; non-English must include English closed captions |
| Content | Must be original; no AI-generated images/video; no unlicensed copyrighted content |
| File | Audio, visuals, and subtitles must be included in a single file |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Conference Dates | 8–9 September 2026 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Competition?
Any individual aged 18 to 25 from any country worldwide is eligible to submit a video; notably, no professional background in space science, engineering, or policy is required — the competition welcomes creative visions from all disciplines.
What does the UNIDIR OS26 fully funded prize cover?
Selected winners receive round-trip economy-class airfare to Geneva, free accommodation during the two-day conference, daily per diem meal support, the opportunity to present their video at OS26, and global exposure through UNIDIR’s international platforms.
What is the video theme for the UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 competition?
Applicants must address the question: “How can innovations in space systems and architecture contribute to a more secure, resilient, and sustainable outer space environment?” within a 1 to 3 minute original video.
Are AI-generated videos or images permitted in the submission?
No — all video content must be entirely original and created by the applicant; AI-generated images or video and unlicensed copyrighted material are explicitly prohibited from submissions.
Is there an application fee for the UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference 2026 Youth Competition?
No — the competition requires no application or registration fee, and the fully funded Geneva trip covering airfare, accommodation, and per diem is provided entirely at no cost to selected winners.