Young people aged 18–25 can enter the UNIDIR Space Security Youth Video Competition 2026 for a chance to win a fully funded trip to Geneva, present their work at an international conference, and gain global recognition.
Overview
What if a three-minute video could take you to Geneva, put your ideas in front of global experts, and give you a platform to influence conversations about the future of outer space?
That’s exactly the opportunity being offered through the UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference (OS26) Youth Video Competition 2026.
Organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in partnership with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), the competition invites young people from around the world to share their original ideas and research on how innovation can make space more secure, sustainable, and accessible for future generations.
The winners will receive a fully funded trip to Geneva, Switzerland, where they will present their work during one of the world’s leading conferences on space security.
About the Competition
As space becomes increasingly important for communication, navigation, security, climate monitoring, and scientific discovery, new challenges are emerging around sustainability, cyber threats, and the protection of space infrastructure.
To ensure young people have a voice in shaping the future of space governance, UNIDIR is once again launching its annual Youth Video Competition as part of the Outer Space Security Conference 2026.
The initiative aims to bring fresh perspectives into global discussions by encouraging young innovators, researchers, engineers, and students to share solutions that could strengthen the security and sustainability of outer space.
Selected winners will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas directly to diplomats, technical experts, military officials, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders attending the conference.
What Will Winners Gain?
This competition offers much more than recognition.
Successful participants will receive opportunities that could significantly boost their academic and professional profiles.
Fully Funded Trip to Switzerland
Winners will receive:
- Round-trip economy airfare to Geneva
- Accommodation during the conference
- Daily allowances to help cover meals and related expenses
- Full participation in the Outer Space Security Conference 2026
Present Your Work to a Global Audience
Winning participants will:
- Present their videos during the conference
- Deliver a lightning talk to international experts
- Share their ideas with global decision-makers and stakeholders
- Gain visibility within the international space community
International Recognition
Selected videos will:
- Be featured on UNIDIR platforms
- Be showcased during the conference
- Reach audiences from governments, academia, industry, and international organizations
Publication Opportunity
Winners may also have the opportunity to transform their video and conference experience into a published commentary on the UNIDIR website.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to young people from every country.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Submit only one entry
- Create original content
- Meet all technical and competition requirements
There are no nationality restrictions, making this a truly global opportunity.
What Is the Competition Theme?
This year’s challenge focuses on the future of space security and sustainability.
Participants are invited to create a video explaining how technical innovations can help make outer space more secure and sustainable for future generations.
UNIDIR is particularly interested in ideas related to:
- Cyber-resilient space systems
- Space architecture innovations
- Data security and communication integrity
- Open-source monitoring systems
- Technical transparency measures
- Shared technical standards
- Protection of space assets
- Sustainable space operations
Entrants are encouraged to identify weaknesses in current systems and propose innovative solutions that could strengthen global space security.
Video Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- An original video
- Length between 1 and 3 minutes
- MP4 format
- Audio, visuals, and subtitles combined into one file
Videos may be produced in any language.
However, videos that are not in English must include English subtitles or closed captions.
AI Usage Rules
Participants must create original work.
Generative AI cannot be used to create:
- The main script
- The core narrative
- Presenter likenesses
However, AI-assisted tools may be used for technical visualizations such as:
- Schematics
- Concept renderings
- Engineering animations
Any AI-assisted elements must be disclosed during submission.
Fully AI-generated videos will be disqualified.
How Will Entries Be Judged?
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Relevance to the theme
- Technical quality
- Understanding of space security issues
- Clarity of communication
- Overall engagement and presentation
The judging panel includes experts from UNIDIR and CIGI and is designed to ensure fairness, diversity, and transparency.
How to Apply
Interested participants should complete the official submission process before the deadline.
Step 1
Create an original video addressing the competition theme.
Step 2
Ensure the video meets all technical requirements.
Step 3
Prepare any required disclosures regarding AI-assisted content.
Step 4
Complete the official submission form.
Step 5
Upload your video before the deadline.
Required Materials
Applicants should prepare:
- Video file in MP4 format
- English subtitles if the video is not in English
- Original research or concept explanation
- AI disclosure information (if applicable)
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit videos is:
21 June 2026
Late submissions will not be considered.
Summary Table
Win a UNIDIR Fully Funded Trip to Geneva by Sharing Your Ideas on the Future of Space Security
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | UNIDIR Outer Space Security Youth Video Competition 2026 |
| Organizer | UNIDIR and CIGI |
| Eligibility | Young People Aged 18–25 |
| Location of Prize | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Prize | Fully Funded Trip to Geneva |
| Video Length | 1–3 Minutes |
| Format | MP4 |
| Theme | Space Security and Sustainability |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
| Eligible Countries | Worldwide |
Conclusion
If you’re passionate about space technology, innovation, engineering, cybersecurity, or global governance, this competition offers a rare opportunity to have your ideas heard on an international stage.
Beyond the chance to win a fully funded trip to Geneva, participants can contribute to important conversations about the future of outer space and demonstrate how young people can help shape a safer and more sustainable space environment for everyone.
With applications open worldwide, now is the perfect time to turn your ideas into a compelling video and share your vision with the global space community.
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