- January 19, 2024
- Posted by: EARSC
- Categories: EARSC Events, EOcafe
25th of January 2024, 16.00-17.00 CET
As the world’s geopolitical situation becomes increasingly volatile and complicated, the (European) space sector is also having to adapt to a new reality, where existing partnerships are questioned, and new ones are increasingly difficult to forge, just as existential challenges, such as the management and impact of space debris, require further international cooperation.
At such a time, the role of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development, has never been more crucial.
Not only is international cooperation in space fundamental to address issues such as space debris, but it also works towards ensuring that all nations can benefit from space technology and its applications, which are, for example, allowing us to better understand and address climate change, leading to a greener and more sustainable society.
Working with UN Member States to integrate space capabilities into national development programmes, the UNOOSA’s Programme on Space Applications (PSA) tackles this exact question, ensuring that all countries can benefit from space technology and applications, especially in the areas of global health, disaster management, climate change, humanitarian assistance, environmental monitoring and natural resources management. Furthermore, other offices or agencies of the UN (e.g. UN-Spider, FAO, UNEP) are directly using space and EO data as part of their missions with “in-house” resources dedicated to analyse these data.
In September 2023, the UNOOSA saw a new Director appointed: Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, a familiar face to many in the space industry. Our host Geoff Sawyer (EARSC Strategic Advisor and former Secretary General) will take this opportunity to sit down with Ms. Holla-Maini (Director, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs) and re-explore the UNOOSA’s mandate, its role in the landscape of international (space) actors and its interactions with the European EO services industry.
Questions that could be addressed during this EOcafe include:
- What is the UNOOSA’s mandate and role? Particularly as concerns Earth Observation?
- How can the UNOOSA be a gateway or broker between the EO industry and Member States?
- How does the UNOOSA fit into the international stakeholder landscape?
- How can EARSC members and the EO services industry engage with UNOOSA? How can that relationship be strengthened (in both directions)?
Registration: The webinar is open to all. Registration is free but compulsory.
Please note this is a virtual event!
EOcafe is part of a series of EARSC meetings that offer timely, relevant, and practical information on a broad variety of topics related to the EO sector. Join us every two weeks to discuss and network while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The use of a video camera is not mandatory but is encouraged to facilitate better interaction between the attendees and the guest speaker(s).
- The EOcafe will stay open after 17:00 in case our guests want to continue the discussion.
- By registering for this event, you accept the terms and conditions (https://earsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EARSC_Events_GDPR.pdf).
If you have any questions, and/or you want to know more about the EOcafe, and/or you want to share an idea about a f
