The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) have signed an agreement confirming the Maldives as host of the first IAF Global Space and Oceans Conference (GSOC 2027), scheduled for 3–5 May 2027.
The agreement was signed at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) headquarters in Vienna, on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
According to the IAF, the agreement was signed by IAF President Gabriella Arrigo and MSRO President Madin Maseeh. The conference is positioned as a new event in the IAF Global Conference series, focused on the intersection of space technologies and ocean sustainability, with a particular emphasis on elevating the role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in related global discussions.
The IAF said GSOC 2027 is expected to bring together government officials, space agency representatives, policymakers, scientists, researchers, industry representatives and sustainability specialists to examine how space-based capabilities could support ocean observation, climate resilience, marine conservation and management of ocean resources.
The federation said the Maldives was selected in part due to its exposure to climate and ocean-related challenges, making it a relevant venue for discussions about applying space technologies to environmental and sustainability priorities.
Further details, including the conference programme, registration and calls for abstracts, are due to be released in coming months.
