Objectives

Objectives of the Space Education Programme (SEP)

• Enhance space subjects and disciplines in schools and universities especially in developing countries, through workshops, and promote the integration of these subjects in the science curricula.
• Provide teachers and educators opportunities to develop/strengthen their knowledge and skills in space-related fields and assist them acquire/produce pedagogical materials appropriate to their needs.
• Raise public awareness of the benefits of space activities for the social, economic and cultural development of society and promote the use of space technology as a tool in developing national social and economic programmes to help achieve sustainable development.
• Contribute to the preparation of the next generation of space workforce, eg space scientists, astronauts, space engineers, etc.

SEP focuses on three disciplines:

• Space science
• Space and aeronautic engineering
• Space technology applications More

Partnerships

UNESCO implements the Space Education Programme in cooperation with space agencies, space-related organizations such as the International Astronautical Federation & International Space University, non-governmental institutions and associations (eg EURISY) and with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. UNESCO is also a partner in regional mechanisms that promote space education and the use of space technology to improve daily life such as the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and the Space Conference of the Americas. More

UNESCO and the International Year of Astronomy (IYA)

The 33rd General Conference of UNESCO voted on the proposal of the International Astronomical Union to proclaim 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). This resolution was endorsed by 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations on 20 December 2007, designating UNESCO as the lead agency and the IAU as the facilitating body for IYA. 2009 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical use of telescope by Galileo, a momentous event that triggered a scientific revolution and saw a dawn of the new era - that of scientific discoveries and critical thoughts. More