On October 11, 2023, leaders from China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and various global agencies gathered in Beijing to kick off a 2-day Sub-Forum on Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief. This event is a key part of the Belt and Road Ministerial Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management, led by the Chinese government.
This Sub-Forum, hosted by China’s National Disaster Reduction Centre with support from the UN-SPIDER Beijing Office, was a platform for conversations, sharing knowledge, and teaming up on efforts to use satellite data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make disaster prevention and relief even more effective. Almost 200 experts joined in, including CEU's Syslab. This event provided a chance to see various showcased projects, broaden awareness and deepen expertise in using satellite data and GIS in early warning systems.
In the opening speech, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Emergency Management stressed how China is committed to putting people's safety first, especially in the face of recent major disasters. He highlighted the importance of using modern tools like satellite data and GIS to stay ahead of risks.
He pointed out that climate change is making natural disasters more intense and unpredictable. To tackle this, the Ministry is ramping up efforts to use satellite data and GIS to better manage risks by building up the ability of both the government and communities to develop resilience using advanced tech and smart analysis.
The Deputy Director General of UNOOSA highlighted their unique role in the UN in driving sustainable development. Through their UN-SPIDER program, they've been championing the use of space-based technologies to handle challenges posed by natural disasters. He emphasized that satellite data and GIS are core to any early warning system. It has been stressed during the Sub-Forum that UNOOSA is eager to play a big part in making this initiative work, collaborating with other actors and using the expertise gained from helping over 55 countries with their data needs and analysis.