Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Scope

Asteroids2029 is founded on the principles of international collaboration, scientific integrity, mutual respect, and public engagement. This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected of everyone participating in the initiative and aims to foster a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

The Code of Conduct applies to all individuals and organisations participating in Asteroids2029, including but not limited to:

  • (Interim) Steering Committee members
  • (Interim) Secretariat staff
  • Planning Group members
  • National and Organisational Nodes
  • Working Group participants
  • Partners, sponsors, and media partners
  • Volunteers and contributors
  • Speakers and event organisers
  • Event attendees
  • Online community participants

The Code applies to all Asteroids2029-related activities, including meetings, conferences, workshops, public events, online platforms, social media interactions, collaborative projects, and any other activities conducted under the Asteroids2029 name.

2. Expected Behaviour

All participants are expected to contribute positively to the goals of Asteroids2029 by:

  • Treating others with courtesy, respect, professionalism, and integrity.
  • Fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds, cultures, disciplines, and perspectives.
  • Supporting open, constructive, and respectful dialogue, including when opinions differ.
  • Promoting scientific integrity through accurate, evidence-based communication and responsible representation of scientific knowledge.
  • Collaborating openly and generously, recognizing the contributions of others and encouraging international cooperation.
  • Acting in a manner that reflects positively on the Asteroids2029 initiative and its mission.

3. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are inconsistent with the values of Asteroids2029 and will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or exclusion based on nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Personal attacks, abusive language, threats, or sustained disruptive behaviour.
  • Deliberate misrepresentation of scientific information or the intentional dissemination of misinformation related to asteroid science or planetary defence.
  • Conduct that creates an unsafe, hostile, or unwelcoming environment for others.
  • Abuse of authority, position, resources, or the Asteroids2029 platform for personal, political, commercial, or promotional purposes unrelated to the goals of the initiative.
  • Any unlawful, unethical, or fraudulent activity undertaken in connection with Asteroids2029.

4. Reporting and Response

Participants who experience or witness behaviour that may violate this Code of Conduct are encouraged to report their concerns to the (Interim) Asteroids2029 Secretariat.

Reports should include sufficient information to allow an appropriate review and will be handled as promptly as practicable.

The Secretariat is committed to:

  • Treating all reports seriously and impartially.
  • Maintaining confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible.
  • Providing a fair opportunity for all parties to be heard.
  • Seeking constructive resolution whenever appropriate.

Where necessary, the Secretariat may consult the (Interim) Steering Committee or other appropriate bodies in determining an appropriate response.

5. Enforcement and Accountability

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in actions proportionate to the nature and severity of the conduct, including:

  • Informal discussion or guidance.
  • Formal warning.
  • Removal from specific meetings, events, or activities.
  • Suspension of participation in Asteroids2029 programmes or governance bodies.
  • Revocation of appointments or leadership positions, including National Node Chairs or Working Group leaders.
  • Termination of participation in Asteroids2029 activities.

The Asteroids2029 (Interim) Secretariat is responsible for the initial administration of this Code of Conduct. The Asteroids2029 Steering Committee retains ultimate authority regarding significant enforcement actions and appeals involving appointed leadership roles or participating organisations.

6. Commitment

Participation in Asteroids2029 signifies a commitment to uphold this Code of Conduct and to contribute to an environment characterized by respect, collaboration, scientific integrity, and inclusivity.

All participants share responsibility for maintaining a culture that enables productive international cooperation and supports the goals of the International Year.

The Asteroids2029 Code of Conduct reflects the values of openness, mutual respect, peaceful international collaboration, and responsible scientific engagement that underpin the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence and the broader principles of international cooperation promoted by the United Nations.

The (Interim) Steering Committee may amend the Code of Conduct as needed during the implementation of Asteroids2029.