Introduction
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) adopted a strategic plan in 2010 that gave fresh perspective and visible commitment to "astronomy for development". The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) was established in 2011 with the mandate of executing this vision and exploring how astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructure, might contribute to driving development and improving the conditions for humanity across the globe.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.
The OAD is a joint project of the IAU and the South African National Research Foundation with the support of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Its mission is to further the use of astronomy as a tool for development through funding and coordinating projects that use astronomy to address issues related to sustainable development
The mission of the OAD is to help further the use of astronomy, including its practitioners, skills and infrastructures, as a tool for development in every country. This is done by mobilising the human and financial resources necessary in order to realise the field’s scientific, technological and cultural benefits to society. This is primarily implemented through funding and coordinating projects that use Astronomy as a tool to address issues related to sustainable development (will be discussed in the next section).
Why Astronomy?
Astronomy is uniquely suited to development because it is:
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Interdisciplinary – connects with physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and beyond (astrobiology, astrochemistry, astrogeology).
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Technology-creating – astronomical needs have driven advances like CCD sensors, computing, and optics, which then find widespread use in everyday life.
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Cultural & inspirational – every human culture has deep ties to the night sky, making astronomy a powerful tool for education, storytelling, and unity.
