United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and PVBLIC Foundation Strengthen Partnership to Advance Space for Sustainable Development

Image: Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, alongside  H.E. Ambassador Gregor Koessler, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations, Professor Brian Cox, recognized as Champion for Space, Kerry Bannigan, President of the Board, PVBLIC Foundation, Archie Young, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UK Mission to the United Nations, and Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation, at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee session on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Photo credit: Sean T. Smith.

New York, October 29, 2025 — PVBLIC Foundation, together with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Republic of Austria, and the United Kingdom, co-hosted a high-level reception at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the formalization of a landmark partnership between PVBLIC and UNOOSA. The collaboration, officially established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, was recognized at the Assembly’s Fourth Committee session on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

The gathering brought together  UN leadership, Member State representatives, philanthropists, family offices, and thought leaders, emphasizing the role of space-based technologies in advancing progress toward sustainable development. Discussions highlighted how space data and innovation can support environmental resilience, disaster preparedness, connectivity, healthcare, and food security, particularly in developing regions.

During the event, Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, highlighted that the partnership reflects a new phase in international cooperation for space governance and sustainable development.

“Inspiration has to be accompanied by implementation, and that is precisely where our partnership with the PVBLIC Foundation comes in. We know the power of space, but to scale it, we need partners who help turn our vision into action. The challenges we face, from climate change to food security, education, and healthcare, require space solutions that reach everyone, everywhere. Through our memorandum of understanding, we are joining forces to translate those solutions into real-world impact by mobilizing resources for our Global Space Law Project, our One Moon for All program, and regional offices for disaster management and preparedness in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.”

Image: Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee session on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Photo credit: Sean T. Smith.

Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation, provided remarks underscoring the importance of collaboration across governments, the private sector, and civil society. He noted that space is no longer a distant dream but a vital infrastructure for sustainable development, connecting nations, empowering economies, and helping the world see itself as one.

“As we enter this new era, the question is no longer whether space matters, but how we use it, govern it, and share its benefits responsibly. That is why this conversation matters. This is not about competition or conquest; it’s about collaboration. It’s about ensuring that the next frontier of innovation reflects the best of who we are, united, inclusive, and forward-looking,” said Sergio Fernández de Córdova.

Image: Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation, at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee session on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Photo credit: Sean T. Smith.

Following his remarks, Kerry Bannigan, President of the Board of PVBLIC Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s mission to transform partnerships into public good, guided by PVBLIC’s four pillars of Nature, Technology, Capital, and Multilateralism — a framework uniting innovation, governance, and purpose for sustainable development.

“Tonight’s gathering reminds us why partnerships matter. The challenges we face, from environmental crises to digital access, are too complex for any single actor to address alone. Real progress happens when institutions, governments, and the private sector come together with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.”

Image: Kerry Bannigan, President of the Board, PVBLIC Foundation, at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee session on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Photo credit: Sean T. Smith.

The evening also celebrated the designation of Professor Brian Cox as United Nations Champion for Space, recognizing his advocacy for peaceful and sustainable space, public awareness, and support for UNOOSA’s mandate. While the recognition highlighted the power of science communication to inspire, the primary focus remained on the strategic collaboration between PVBLIC and UNOOSA as a bridge connecting governments, philanthropy, and the private sector for shared global impact.

Through this ongoing partnership, PVBLIC Foundation and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs reaffirm their shared commitment to responsible space operations, capacity-building, and innovation in support of sustainable development. This collaboration also lays the foundation for the new Outer Space Frontier Development (OSFD) Program, a joint initiative designed to engage family offices, philanthropies, and partner nations in building the laws, policies, and capacities needed for inclusive participation in the global space economy. Together, UNOOSA and PVBLIC are demonstrating how cross-sector engagement can transform knowledge and technology into tangible solutions that benefit both people and planet.