Pakistan-hosted conference to explore space technology for improving disaster preparedness
Pakistan will host a five-day international conference organised in
collaboration with the United Nations from October 27 to 31, bringing together
global experts to explore how space technology can improve disaster
preparedness, climate resilience and early warning systems.
The conference, titled Leveraging Space Technology for Early Warning for
All (EW4All), Climate Action and Disaster Risk Assessment, will be held at
the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, according to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research
Commission (SUPARCO).
The event is expected to attract between 200 and 250 participants, including
60 to 70 international delegates and approximately 150 representatives from
Pakistan.
Satellite technology at the centre of disaster management
The conference will focus on the practical application of satellite
observations, geospatial information and emerging technologies to strengthen
early warning systems and improve the assessment of natural hazards.
Discussions will examine how space-based data can help authorities identify
disaster risks earlier, improve preparedness and support timely action against
climate-related threats, including floods, droughts and heatwaves.
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Participants will also explore the use of satellite-derived information to
monitor water resources, agricultural conditions, forests and environmental
changes, with the aim of supporting more effective climate planning and
sustainable development.
The gathering is being co-sponsored by the United Nations Office for Outer
Space Affairs (UNOOSA), through its UN-SPIDER programme, the Asia-Pacific Space
Cooperation Organisation (APSCO) and the Inter-Islamic Network on Space
Sciences and Technology (ISNET).
Global experts to discuss climate intelligence and GeoAI
The conference will bring together policymakers, diplomats, researchers,
educators, United Nations agencies, development organisations and
representatives of the space industry.
Its programme will include leadership dialogues, technical sessions, expert
panels and presentations covering disaster risk assessment, climate intelligence,
geospatial technologies and geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
A key objective will be to encourage a shift from responding to disasters
after they occur towards proactive risk assessment, advance planning and early
intervention.
The event will also highlight the role of young researchers and youth-led
initiatives in climate science, technological innovation and disaster risk
reduction.
Significance for Pakistan
For Pakistan, the conference offers an opportunity to strengthen
institutional cooperation and expand the use of satellite-based information in
national disaster management and climate adaptation efforts.
Improved access to geospatial data and stronger technical capabilities could
help authorities assess hazards more effectively, support evidence-based
decisions and improve protection for communities vulnerable to extreme weather
events.
The discussions will align with the United Nations' Early Warnings for All
initiative, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement
and Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.
These international frameworks emphasise reducing disaster risks,
strengthening resilience and improving preparedness for climate-related
emergencies.
Visit to NDMA to conclude conference
The conference will conclude on October 31 with a closing ceremony and a
technical visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
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The visit will provide delegates with an opportunity to examine Pakistan's
disaster management arrangements and learn about the operational use of
satellite monitoring, geospatial information and early warning tools.
Through the event, Pakistan aims to deepen international partnerships,
facilitate technical knowledge-sharing and promote the practical use of space
technology in building more resilient communities.
The conference comes as satellite-based monitoring and advanced geospatial
analysis are increasingly being used worldwide to improve disaster forecasting,
inform emergency planning and support climate-resilient development.
Source: Pakistan Today