Peace on earth, peace in space! Record attendance at the 77th International Astronautical Congress

In the statement made by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, it was stated that IAC 2026, co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) at the Antalya NEST Congress Center between 5-9 October, under the coordination of the Ministry, stood out with the records it achieved.

It was stated in the statement that 8 thousand 330 scientific abstract applications were made from 108 countries before the congress, and that this number was the highest level in the history of the organization and that record levels were reached in the number of participants.

In the statement, it was stated that according to TUA data, 18 thousand 642 people, including 7 thousand 604 delegates, from 111 countries attended the congress, and the following evaluations were made:

"The congress, organized with the theme 'The World Needs More Space', witnessed moments that went down in the history of science and technology, from its opening with the honors of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the closing night at the historical Aspendos Ancient Theatre. The most critical international political and diplomatic outcome of the congress was the Ministerial and Parliamentarians Meeting, which brought together policy makers from all over the world under the leadership of the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır. For the first time in the history of the congress, a declaration was declared "The declaration was supported by 32 participants from 21 countries on its first day."

In the statement, it was emphasized that the Antalya Declaration, which was adopted after the sessions held with the aim of shaping the future of global space governance and ensuring the peaceful and fair use of space, was announced to the whole world, and it was underlined that the declaration registered the determination to protect space as a neutral area of ​​peace, sustainable development and common human heritage against increasing geopolitical tensions.

In the statement, it was pointed out that the declaration, which was left open for signature, aims to ensure that all countries of the world are equally involved in the developments in the field of space, and said, "President Erdoğan, in his speech at the congress, said, 'I thank all participants who signed the Antalya Declaration for Peace in Space,' and I invite our friends who have not signed yet to take this step.' He called on the whole world to join the declaration." The expression was used.

MORE THAN 11 THOUSAND VISITORS CAME ON PUBLIC DAY

In the statement, it was stated that IAC 2026 will be the scene of unique cultural diplomacy as well as high technology, and it was reported that thousands of years of production memory was brought together with the spirit of space exploration in the space-themed "Anadoludakiler Bazaar - Space Mission", which was implemented under the auspices of President Erdoğan's wife Emine Erdoğan and established in the congress area, and astronauts and foreign delegates visited the area.

In the statement, it was stated that the global heritage of Anatolia, from traditional handicrafts to the designs of women's cooperatives, was introduced to the guests, and the following information was shared:

"In the Future Space field, deep space technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and new generation rocket designs were showcased to the world and an 'interactive future' experience was offered to the participants. In this field, the first screening of the Salda Documentary prepared by Anadolu Agency (AA) was also held. In addition, TEKNOFEST champions came together with space enthusiasts while the space-themed TÜBİTAK 'Beyond the Horizon' exhibition was opened."

In the statement, it was reminded that the doors were opened to citizens on the last day of the congress, and it was noted that more than 11 thousand technology enthusiasts, students and citizens came to Antalya NEST Congress Center on Public Day.

In the statement, it was stated that in the most remarkable event of the day, Minister of Industry and Technology Kacır and Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Baykar Chairman of the Board of Directors Selçuk Bayraktar met on the same stage, moderated by AA Chairman and General Manager Serdar Karagöz.

It was stated that in the "Future Starts Here: Technology, Space and New Generation" panel, the National Technology Move, Türkiye's deep space goals, the transformative role of the TEKNOFEST generation and the power of young talents to shape the future were discussed comprehensively, and the following was noted:

"The 5-day science, technology and diplomacy marathon ended with the night held at the historical Aspendos Ancient Theatre, which has a history of thousands of years. At the night, accompanied by the music and stage performance of the Antalya State Opera and Ballet Directorate, space leaders and astronauts from all over the world came together in the historical atmosphere of Antalya and thanked Türkiye for their unforgettable hosting."

In the statement, it was announced that at the closing ceremony, the official IAF flag handover was held with the aim of holding the next congress in Poznan, Poland in 2027, and it was announced that the 2029 host of the congress would be Geneva.

"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SPACE CONTINUES TO BE A FIELD WHERE COOPERATIONS ARE CONDUCTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF HUMANITY"

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, whose views were included in the statement, thanked the congress stakeholders and made the following evaluations:

"During the past week, we hosted an extremely comprehensive and successful organization that brought together the important stakeholders of the global space ecosystem in Antalya. Space agencies, scientists, engineers, astronauts, leading technology companies, startups, investors, students and young professionals came together under the same roof. We discussed a wide range of topics, from science and exploration to satellite and launch technologies, from human space flights to earth observation. We evaluated the space economy, sustainability and the increasing importance of international cooperation."

Kacır stated that within the scope of the congress, they also discussed the role of space in shaping the economic, scientific and technological future of humanity in the coming years, and pointed out that IAC 2026 is the largest and most magnificent international space congress to date.

Emphasizing that the messages that President Erdoğan attended the opening ceremony and shared with the world gave great meaning to the congress, Kacır said, "As Turkey, we say 'Peace on Earth, peace in space'. We see it as important that space continues to be an area where cooperation is carried out for peace, for prosperity, for the benefit of humanity, and where the achievements are presented to the benefit of all humanity, not an area of ​​conflict." he said.