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# 									Advocating for Responsible Exploration of the Final Frontier							

DipNote

Bureau of Global Public Affairs

Shalom Konstantino

June 6, 2024

Since 2022, the Department of State and counterparts around the world have celebrated Space Diplomacy Week, an opportunity to share the work we do to facilitate peaceful exploration of space.  Since space exploration is a global effort, we must work to ensure it is conducted in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner to benefit all humankind.  

On April 30, the Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum 2024 brought together global leaders who advocated for responsible exploration as a bedrock of international space collaboration. 

 

 Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard Verma, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and Space and Defense Correspondent for CNN Kristin Fisher. [State Department photo]

Against the backdrop of a booming space industry and heightened global interest in space ventures, Deputy Secretary Richard Verma, who aspired to become an astronaut as a child, joined NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy to highlight the urgent need to collectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities beyond Earth’s bounds.  The forum united government officials, commercial stakeholders, civil society, and aspiring space diplomats to shape space diplomacy issues. The forum’s overarching theme centered on the imperative for international collaboration to shape the future of modern space activities.  With sessions covering topics like space security, sustainability, governance, and workforce development, the event aimed to inspire dialogue and innovation in the global space community. During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Verma underscored the swift progress of international cooperation in space, propelled notably by initiatives like the Artemis Accords, which over 40 countries have signed onto thus far, and celebrated NASA’s efforts to land the first woman, first person of color, and first non-American on the Moon in a future mission.  If those important benchmarks are achieved, it would herald a new era of inclusivity and discovery. Deputy Secretary Verma also highlighted the challenges posed by the growing number of actors in space, stressing the importance of responsible governance and sustainable practices.  He outlined the implications of these considerations for U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the need for principled leadership and global collaboration. From environmental sustainability to the ethical dimensions of longer-term human presence in space, the session sparked lively discussion among attendees on the diverse facets of responsible exploration in today’s space age. As the global space landscape continues to evolve, forums like Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Forum play a vital role in fostering dialogue and cooperation.  By uniting stakeholders from different sectors and countries, these platforms pave the way for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to space exploration and governance. Deputy Secretary Verma’s engagement in the forum underscored the United States’ commitment to responsible, safe, transparent, and inclusive space exploration, setting a precedent for continued cooperation and progress in the realm beyond our planet.  

To learn more about Space Diplomacy, watch the full discussion.  

 

*About the Author:  Shalom Konstantino is a Public Affairs professional in the Office of Global Communications Strategy in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs.  He is currently based in Luxembourg.*

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Science, Technology, and InnovationSpace

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