ESA, partner of the Planetworkshops at UNESCO
For the second year, ESA is a partner of the Planetworkshops, being held at UNESCO from 3 to 5 June. This year's theme for this think-tank on sustainable development is: Achieving a successful transition.
This encompasses the analysis of recent profound crises: recession, erosion of biodiversity, growing number of climate refugees, etc., and related potential solutions. In this context, ESA will promote space applications and support the debate on the transition towards new economic, social and environmental practices.
ESA's contribution to the global conference included a key message from ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, currently aboard the ISS, delivered during the opening speeches on 3 June followed by a few words from Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Head of ESA policies Department. Gordon Campbell from the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes will participate in the "Focus on" panel on Oceans on 5 June. Also on 5 June, a special conference for more than 100 secondary school students will be held at ESA Headquarters during which ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy will give an insight into "Life in Space". This will be followed a by a presentation by Dr Antonio Guell, a specialist in aerospace medicine and a representative from the Education Office, Viyas Gupta will speak about Cubesats and other education projects.
