The SGAC is a network of students, young professionals, and alumni in the space industry that currently represents over 27,000 members across 165 countries.
[citation needed] The ten most impactful ideas were integrated into the "Declaration of the Space Generation", approved by the UNISPACE III Plenary as the SGF's Technical Report (refer UN-Document A/Conf.184/L.14).
One of the recommendations was "to create a council to support the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space by raising awareness and exchanging fresh ideas among young adults.
The vision is to employ the creativity and vigor of younger generations in advancing humanity through the peaceful uses of space."
The organization officially opened its headquarters at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in 2005 in Vienna and hired its first paid employee in 2006.
Today, the organization's professional network comprises over 27,000 members from 165+ countries (updated: 2023) in 6 different geographic regions.
They coordinate activities in their region, oversee the work of the National Points of Contact, have voting rights on SGAC issues at the Executive Committee, and elect the Co-Chairs of the organization.
Outputs from SGAC's events and project groups significantly contribute to shaping space policy at various levels.
[citation needed] These contributions have been acknowledged and cited by numerous delegations within the context of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS).
Each PG is dedicated to a distinct space-related topic (see below) and serves as a platform within which the young space community can share their opinions, discuss, and debate current issues.
[citation needed] As of 2020, the organization has a number of active projects: The SGAC works to provide financial resources for its members to increase youth input and engagement on international space issues.
Through a mentoring program, SGAC hopes its members will be able to receive support and guidance as they continue to advance in their careers.