Faculty and students from the GeoHub- organized OSUN's Network Collaborative Course (NCC) "Introduction to Geospatial Data Analysis" recently attended a noticeable side event of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The event, titled "The Strategic Value of Earth Observation: Maximizing the Benefits for Governments and the International Community", was hosted by the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS).
This side event focused on the transformative potential of Earth observation technologies and their applications for sustainable development. It addressed the need for a broader recognition of the values of Earth observations across various sectors and discussed innovative use cases that could benefit societies globally. The agenda included such topics as developing remote sensing capabilities and the role of space-based information in disaster management and emergency response.
The panel speakers from various countries discussed the most acute problems of space-based technologies for developing countries and the matters concerning the emerging new space actors that shape the geodata market.
The ESPI and ISPRS jointly facilitated the exchange of views, creating an informal yet focused atmosphere for discussions on global opportunities and challenges in the field of Earth observations. The event aligns with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) recognition of the importance of Earth observations and geolocation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participation by the members of Open Society Universtiy Network's (OSUN) GeoHub project at this COPUOS side event reflects the network's dedication to engaging with international partners and contributing to discussions that shape the future of the Earth observation field and its strategic value to the international community through academic teaching.