Pakistan is set to host an international conference in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) on using space technology to improve early warning systems, assess disaster risks and support climate action.
According to the press release issued by the concerned department, the five-day United Nations–Pakistan conference will take place at Serena Hotel in Islamabad from 27 to 31 October, bringing together an estimated 200 to 250 participants, including international delegates, policymakers, researchers and space technology experts.
The event will be hosted by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), with support from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO) and the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET).
Organisers say the conference will focus on using satellite observations and geospatial data to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve climate monitoring and help protect vulnerable communities.
A key theme will be the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure that people are better protected from hazardous weather and climate-related disasters through effective warning systems.
Participants will discuss how space-based technology can help identify and monitor risks from floods, droughts and heatwaves. The discussions will also cover the use of satellite data to track changes in water resources, agriculture, forests and the wider environment.
The programme will include leadership dialogues, technical sessions, expert panels and presentations on climate intelligence, disaster risk assessment and emerging technologies such as geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
Organisers say the aim is to encourage a shift from responding to disasters after they occur towards identifying risks earlier and improving preparedness.
For Pakistan, the conference is expected to provide an opportunity to strengthen the use of satellite information in disaster management and climate-related planning.
Improved access to reliable geospatial data could help authorities assess potential hazards, support decision-making and plan responses to extreme weather events.
The conference will also explore cooperation between national institutions, international organisations, researchers and the space industry, with a focus on technical training and practical applications of satellite-derived information.
Discussions will be linked to international frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on climate action.
Young researchers and youth-led initiatives are also expected to feature in discussions on climate research and technological innovation.
The conference will conclude on 31 October with a closing ceremony and a technical visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The visit is intended to give participants an opportunity to learn about the country’s disaster management arrangements and discuss how satellite monitoring and geospatial information can be used in operational planning.
The organisers say the conference aims to strengthen international partnerships and promote the practical use of space technology to improve early warnings, reduce disaster risks and support climate resilience.
