Barcelona IAC 2029
Water Resilience from Space
Spain’s candidature to host the International Astronautical Congress 2029 combines operational excellence, global outreach and avstrong societal vision for the future of space.
Barcelona IAC 2029
Water Resilience from Space
Spain’s candidature to host the International Astronautical Congress 2029 combines operational excellence, global outreach and avstrong societal vision for the future of space.
TOPIC
Water resilience from space
Water resilience is at the core of one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, as climate change intensifies droughts, floods and pressure on water resources.
This topic positions IAC 2029 as a cooperation-driven, impact-oriented Congress, showcasing the practical contribution of space to one of the defining challenges of our century and reinforcing the IAF’s role as the leading global platform for space cooperation and societal benefit.
CONGRESS YEAR
DELEGATES EXPECTED
PARTNER AGENCIES
Delivering a truly global, impact-driven and future-oriented IAC
— BARCELONA IAC 2029 CANDIDACY
The perfect venue
01
#1 Global Destination
World’s first destination (ICCA Congress Rankings) in total participants for meetings hosted by international associations, combining unmatched hospitality, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure.
02
Mediterranean capital
Strongly committed to climate adaptation, sustainability and innovation, Barcelona offers a uniquely credible setting for international dialogue on resilience and space-enabled solutions.
03
Sustainable & Accessible
The world’s first city to obtain the prestigious Biosphere certification. Designed with universal accessibility standards and proactive, circular environmental protocols.
04
Secured Venue Allocation
The 70K m2 Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via Complex, designed by Pritzker laureate Toyo Ito, is fully optimized for the scales required by the IAF. The bid secures an integrated, continuous footprint crossing Halls 6, 7, and 8 with complete segregation, extensive indoor exhibition spaces, and a custom plenary structure.
05
5G Gateway
Recognized as the primary 5G hub of Southern Europe, Barcelona hosts to 1,500+ active startups in ICT, deep-tech, AI, and e-commerce, creating a fertile cross-industry ecosystem and an ideal meeting point for governments, agencies, industry, researchers and emerging space actors.
06
World-Class Event Expertise
Used to host events such as MWC Barcelona or ISE Exhibition, Barcelona is also a gateway between Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, providing an ideal platform to strengthen global cooperation in the space sector.
The institutions behind the bid
Barcelona IAC 2029 Candidacy has an unrivalled multi-tier backing and it’s fully endorsed by the Spanish Government, Strategically powered by the Catalonia Space Strategy 2030 and the city of Barcelona.
Spanish Space Agency
Agencia Espacial Española
Direct national oversight, policy coordination, and international agency interface.
Government of Catalonia
Generalitat de Catalunya
Regional institutional backing, deep-tech economic integration, and strategic funding.
Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya
Scientific & technological engine integrating
leading Catalan research groups.
Barcelona City Council
Ajuntament de Barcelona
Direct municipal alignment, urban logistics, safety, transit network, and public infrastructure readiness.
Barcelona Convention Bureau
Barcelona Convention Bureau
Destination management experts maximizing registration, local hospitality, and international outreach.
Our Foundation for the Future of Space
Stand with
Barcelona 2029
Endorse the candidacy, join our scientific advisory network, or stay updated as we build momentum toward the IAF vote.
