Insight - Why Host a Space Sustainability Policy Forum in Paris

‍By Krystal Azelton, SWF Senior Director, Program Planning

The rapid growth of activity in outer space is causing a number of interests to intersect and even conflict, including commercial, civilian, and military ones. Recent events in geopolitics, commercial development, and regulatory reform continue to raise questions about the long-term sustainability of global space activities. Current dynamics, whether they be environmental, political, or commercial in nature, could result in dire consequences for Earth’s most utilized orbits. That includes the safety of existing satellites and current human spaceflight, upcoming commercial space stations, and numerous very large constellations from various companies and countries.

Today, space-based infrastructure underpins economic growth, climate monitoring, digital connectivity, navigation, and disaster resilience across cities and nations alike. These developments demand coordinated international responses that align policy, technology, and investment frameworks. The Summit for Space Sustainability, organized by the Secure World Foundation (SWF), is conceived as a strategic platform to address these issues at scale - bridging the gap between governance and innovation, and promoting collaborative approaches to safeguard a secure, sustainable, and cooperative future in space.

The Summit for Space Sustainability is the only annual conference dedicated exclusively to space sustainability in all its dimensions. This multi-day, high-level policy forum establishes the world’s premier platform for aligning space sustainability with economic opportunity, technological innovation, and public sector leadership. The 7th Summit for Space Sustainability will take place October 22–23, 2025, in Paris, co-hosted by SWF, CNES, and the Government of France.

The conference aims to facilitate multi-stakeholder strategic dialogue, policy discussions, and cross-sector partnerships to advance a sustainable space future. SWF seeks to use its unique convening power in the international space community to bring together a diverse group of high-level speakers, experts, investors, and partners. Our goal is to gather stakeholders empowered to act from a cross-section of government, academia, industry, and non-profit entities across the globe.

The agenda for the Summit for Space Sustainability changes substantively every year to address new policies, examine emerging trends, and look at regional perspectives and initiatives. Senior-level speakers have included science ministers, heads of agencies, company CEOs, military leaders, and key political leaders at multilateral organizations, among many other senior representatives from governments, international organizations, industry, and academia.

‍An Event With a Proven Track Record 

Over the past six years, leaders and experts from around the world have convened at the Summit for Space Sustainability to address the complex challenges shaping the future of the global space arena. The inaugural Summit was held in-person in Washington, D.C. in 2019, followed by virtual editions in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The 4th Summit for Space Sustainability, co-hosted by SWF and the UK Space Agency on June 22–23, 2022, was the first time the Summit was both held outside the US and in a hybrid structure. The 5th Summit, held June 13–14, 2023, in New York City, focused on governance, corporate responsibility, and the emerging cislunar economy. Sessions explored space’s role in the UN Summit of the Future and ESG integration across the industry. The 6th Summit for Space Sustainability, co-hosted by SWF and the Cabinet Office, Space Policy Secretariat, Government of Japan, was held July 11–12, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan, in a hybrid format, with over 650 participants. The event emphasized responsible behavior in orbit, cooperation on debris mitigation, and harmonized international regulation in the Asia-Pacific. 

 Attend This Year’s Event for Key Political Analysis and Insights

This year’s event will focus on a locally-hosted, regionally-focused, international discussion on next steps for space sustainability. Themes include: policy updates on key initiatives for space sustainability; impacts of space activities on the atmosphere; regional viewpoints on space security and stability; and the role and viability of commercial space sustainability services as part of the space economy. This event is a critical opportunity to hear from regional and global leaders on the most pressing space policy considerations. See the full agenda and speakers for more information!

We look forward to welcoming leaders from regional space agencies, national agencies, government departments, industry, emerging and established startups, investors, academics, researchers, policy makers, and legal experts to Paris to dive deep into these themes. We see the Summit for Space Sustainability as a community event: join for all-inclusive networking, interactive sessions, and a chance to be on the forefront of regional and global thinking on these issues. 

‍Calling All Young Professionals

The 7th Summit for Space Sustainability also welcomes the next generation of visionaries and innovators in the space industry. Addressing the challenges of space sustainability requires fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and upcoming leaders ready to shape the future. This conference allows you to connect with experts, build your network, and gain the knowledge needed to advance your career. Participate in mentorship sessions, interactive discussions, and networking events designed to help you navigate the field, amplify your impact, and take an active role in shaping sustainable space policies and practices.

To support the participation of young professionals in the space industry, we offer special discounted registration for in-person and virtual attendees.