Plenary 7 at the 65th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Toronto, Canada, was proposed and organised by WIA-Europe, addressed a strategically important issue, looking at how effective the international space community is engaging with stakeholders. “Global societal challenges as the key driver for space activities: the imperative for a new way to engage stakeholders” was the title of this plenary. It was moderated by Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Chairman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and involved Chiaki Mukai, Astronaut & Director of the Centre for Applied Space Medicine, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Susan Chodakewitz, President of Tetra Tech AMT and Chair of Women in Aerospace, Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of the Austrian Science Fund and a Professor at the Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, and Simonetta di Pippo, Director of United Nations’ Office for Outer Space Affairs and President of WIA-Europe.
An IAF Global Networking Forum panel discussion on “Diversity in the Space Domain” was jointly organised by WIA-Europe, WIA-Canada and WIA and had the goal of exploring the role of diversity in space related workplaces. A special focus was put on the role of women in the evolution of the space domain in order to ensure the optimal performance of women professionals, and to develop best practices that facilitate the enhanced and ultimately balanced representation of women in strategic positions of management and leadership. It was moderated by Claudia Kessler, Vice President of the German Aerospace Association DGLR and Chair of the Board of Directors of WIA-Europe. Speakers were Simonetta di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and President of WIA-Europe, Giovanna Cinelli, Vice Chair of WIA, Sylvie Béland, Director R&D Aerospace National Research Council, Canada, Louise Beauchamp, Scientist at the Canadian Space Agency, and Frederic Nordlund, Head of International Relations Department at the European Space Agency – the only male particiapnt on the panel.
