No abstract

The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) aims to use astronomy, including its tools, practitioners and skills, to benefit society. The OAD, a joint project of the International Astronomical Union and the South African National Research Foundation, has the vision of using ‘Astronomy for a better world’. Since 2013, the OAD has funded more than 120 projects that use astronomy to address developmental issues as defined under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The Astronomy For Development Focus Meeting 20 at the IAU General Assembly encompassed an ‘Unconference’ session as part of the proceedings. Unstructured conferences, with their potential to unleash innovative ideas, are gaining traction in various conferences and symposia. Astronomy For Development is a field that is applicable to the entire Astronomy community (and even beyond) and hence an unconference inviting ideas and fostering frank dialogue is very pertinent.Officially one of the final sessions of the the 2015 General Assembly, the unconference session was intended to provide a balanced platform for a diverse set of participants and act as an informal setting to promote open discussion on topics of relevance to Astronomy for Development.