Call for Asteroids2029 Secretariat

Read the Press Release Here

A. Background

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2029 as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence, recognizing the unique opportunity presented by the close approach of asteroid (99942) Apophis on 13 April 2029. Asteroids2029 is a global peer-led initiative to amplify the scope and reach of the UN-declared International Year. 

The goals and objectives of Asteroids2029 can be summarized in three pillars: asteroid awareness, planetary defence and international collaboration. See Asteroids2029 Vision and Goals document for details.

As described in the Implementation Plan (linked here), the initiative is facilitated by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and implemented through a global network of partners, including space agencies, scientific institutions, educational organisations, and communication networks.

A central element of the implementation is the establishment of the Asteroids2029 Secretariat, which will serve as the operational hub of the International Year.

See how to apply below.

B. Purpose of the Open Call to Host the Secretariat

This Open Call invites applications from qualified organisations to host the Asteroids2029 Secretariat. The selected Host Organisation will provide the institutional, operational, and administrative framework required to support the Secretariat and enable the successful global implementation of Asteroids2029.

C. Role of the Secretariat

The Asteroids2029 Secretariat will function as the central operational and coordination body of the International Year (see section 2.4 in the Implementation Plan). Working under the guidance of the Asteroids2029 Steering Committee (see section 2.2 in the Implementation Plan) and in coordination with other organisational entities as needed, the Secretariat will:

  • Coordinate the implementation of global Asteroids2029 activities
  • Manage international projects, campaigns, and events
  • Facilitate collaboration among global stakeholders
  • Lead global communications and outreach efforts
  • Manage fundraising and partnership development
  • Administer financial resources and seed funding for activities
  • Monitor progress and contribute to evaluation and reporting

The Secretariat will ensure that activities are implemented in alignment with the Vision, Goals, and Objectives of Asteroids2029 (link available here).

D. Scope of Work

The Host Organisation will support the Secretariat in delivering the following core functions:

  • Operational Coordination
  • Oversee implementation of global activities and campaigns
  • Maintain project tracking systems and timelines

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Coordinate with National Nodes, Organisational Nodes, Working Groups, and Other Partners
  • Facilitate international collaboration, information exchange and resource distribution

Communications

  • Execute global communication strategies
  • Manage website, media relations, and social media campaigns
  • Produce and coordinate multimedia content

Fund Administration and Procurement

  • Manage receipt and disbursement of funds
  • Administer procurement processes

Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Collect and analyse data on activities and impact
  • Publish annual reports 2027-2030 covering activities and budget
  • Develop and implement the Evaluation Plan to support reporting to the United Nations in 2030

E. Institutional Requirements for the Host Organisation

Interested organisations must demonstrate the ability to:

Legal and Administrative Capacity

  • Act as the legal and administrative entity for Secretariat operations
  • Able to sign and adhere to MOUs with other organisations

Financial Capacity

  • Operate as a legal entity capable of receiving and managing funds
  • Provide financial administration with low or minimal overhead
  • Disburse funds internationally in a timely and transparent manner
  • Enable independent financial audit processes

Operational Capacity

  • Procure goods and services efficiently
  • Provide robust IT and communications infrastructure, including:
  • Website hosting and management
  • Social media platforms
  • Digital collaboration tools

Staffing and Support

  • Host and support a core Secretariat team, including:
  • A full-time Secretariat Manager
  • Administrative and operational support
  • Provide access to communications expertise

Relevant Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in each of the following areas:
    • International project coordination
    • Science communication and public outreach
    • Astronomy, planetary science, or related fields
    • Large-scale campaigns or international initiatives
    • Applying for and securing large-scale grant funds

F. Approach and Working Model

The Secretariat will operate as a facilitative and enabling body, supporting a wide range of global and local initiatives rather than directing them centrally. The Host Organisation should:

  • Be able to work in a highly collaborative, international environment
  • Support a distributed global network of contributors
  • Enable rapid, high-quality communication and coordination

Embedding the Secretariat within an existing communications, outreach, or public affairs environment is considered an advantage.

G. Duration and Indicative Timeline

The Secretariat is expected to operate from approximately Quarter 4, 2026 – Quarter 2, 2030 covering:

  • Preparation phase (2026–2027)
  • Implementation phase (2028–2029)
  • Evaluation and legacy phase (2030)

H. Budget Framework

The total estimated budget to be raised by Asteroids2029 for the Secretariat over the four-year period is: €1,200,000. This includes personnel, infrastructure and operational costs, and seed funding for selected global initiatives.

The Host Organisation is expected to:

  • Manage these funds efficiently
  • Support additional fundraising efforts where possible

I. Submission Requirements

In addition to addressing the points laid out in sections E-H, please ensure your submission includes the following:

  1. Organisational Profile (Description of the organisation, Relevant experience)\
  2. Proposed Approach (Vision for hosting the Secretariat, organisational setup and working model)
  3. Additional Contributions (in-kind support or co-funding, if applicable)

Applicants are encouraged to align their submission with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

J. Submission Details

Please submit your application by Sunday, 13 September 2026, 23:59 UTC via email to asteroids2029_at_pm.me

All supporting documentation must be submitted as a single merged PDF (25 MB max). Any application or documentation received after the deadline will not be considered.

Organisations from all countries are encouraged to apply. Joint proposals from multiple organisations are welcome.