UN International Conference on Space-based technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction to be held from 24-25 November 2020

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has announced that the “United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction – ‘Lessons learned during the unprecedented pandemic situation”, is to be held from 24-25 November 2020. This conference is organised by the Beijing office of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), a UNOOSA programme.

The conference follows nine conferences held since 2011. These conferences offered a forum for disaster management communities and experts to strengthen their capabilities in using space-based information to identify, assess, monitor and respond to disaster risks and integrate space technology into long-term disaster risk management efforts. Through these conferences, the UN-SPIDER programme of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs connects the disaster management community and providers of geospatial information and develops the programmes to help developing countries to use space-based information in all stages of disaster management.

Objectives

The objectives of the conference are:

1. To address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak to the disaster management community
2. To share experiences of how space-based technologies were effectively employed to better mitigate disasters during the challenges posed by the pandemic situation
3. To highlight the complementary and inclusive use of space-based technologies in areas related to climate adaptation and disaster resilience
4. To engage with the disaster management community through the UN-SPIDER programme to offer technical advisory support, especially to developing countries

Expected outcomes

1. Strengthening international cooperation to developing countries, through the use of space-based technologies, for supporting implementation of Sendai Framework
2. Guidance on incorporating the use of space-based information in national DRR strategies and action plans
3. Understanding of advance space technology solutions to address multiple challenges related to climate change, disaster risk management and Covid-19 outbreak.

To register for the event and get the detailed agenda, please click here.