The United Nations edition of the Philippine children’s book ‘Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!’ was officially launched on 12 June 2026 during the 69th United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. The book was published in English with translations in French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
Originally published in Filipino by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in 2023, the book promotes awareness on the peaceful, responsible, and sustainable use of outer space through the adventures of Tala, a young Filipino astronaut that introduces United Nations (UN) treaties on outer space and key concepts in space diplomacy through her cosmic adventures.
PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. and UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini highlighted the importance of space education and international cooperation in promoting the peaceful uses of outer space during the launch.
“Tala and Her Journey to Space began as a simple yet meaningful vision, to introduce space law, diplomacy, and fundamental space concepts to Filipino children in a way that is engaging, relatable, and easy to understand. It was designed to help young learners appreciate the five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space and to foster early awareness of space policy, governance, and the peaceful use of outer space.” Dr. Perez recounted the conceptualization of Tala.
“We are deeply encouraged that Tala has now taken an international dimension, and we welcome its translation to other languages and wider dissemination,” Dr. Perez further added.
“Inspiring the youth is not just about teaching science; it is also about teaching the rules, cooperation, and diplomacy that keep space peaceful and sustainable for everyone,” UNOOSA Director Holla-Maini remarked during the launch.
Founding PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. was recognized for this pioneering work and vision that led to the development of the children’s book, which has now gained wider reach and strengthened the role of advancing space awareness and education for children.
Earlier this year, PhilSA and UNOOSA signed a release agreement for the book’s global publication. The global launch is also a result of the longstanding partnership of both agencies which began in 2021 through the singing of a Memorandum of Understanding on international space cooperation.
Building on this milestone, UNOOSA is also working with Member States to produce additional translations of the book. Currently, Liechtenstein will oversee a German translation, expanding reach across six (6) German-speaking countries, while Malta and Slovenia are also preparing translated versions in their respective languages.
The UN version marks a significant milestone as Filipino-developed educational materials are brought to the international community, advancing the fundamental concepts of space law and diplomacy for the peaceful uses of outer space. This initiative is also part of the Philippines’s growing role in advancing space policy and fostering international cooperation.
Read ‘Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” here:
