KRASNOYARSK/VIENNA, 18 May (UN Information Service) – The use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for sustainable social and economic development, in particular for developing countries, is the focus of a UNOOSA/ROSCOSMOS workshop starting today in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The event, hosted by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Joint Stock Company with the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), is a forum for participants  to share technical expertise and experiences on specific GNSS-related projects for development purposes. 

The aim of the workshop is to develop a regional plan of action that will contribute to the wider use of GNSS technology and its applications, including the possible establishment of pilot projects in applications benefitting  humanitarian efforts, weather tracking, transport and agriculture amongst other things. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in its capacity as the Executive Secretariat of the International Committee on GNSS (ICG), plays a special role on compatibility and interoperability to enhance positioning, navigation and timing services for users worldwide. UNOOSA’s Programme on GNSS Applications builds capacity in space science and technology  to provide a springboard to transfer skills and knowledge to nations that wish to engage in GNSS science, technology and education.

Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of UNOOSA, welcomed the successful opening of the workshop: “GNSS has become a truly international resource and the willingness of providers and users to share experiences such as they are doing this week in Krasnoyarsk demonstrates the progress Member States have made in cooperating in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes.”

The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), established in 2005 under the umbrella of the United Nations, promotes voluntary cooperation on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based positioning, navigation, timing, and value-added services. To support the work of ICG, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) was designated as the Executive Secretariat of ICG. In that capacity UNOOSA is organizing regional workshops, training courses and international meetings focusing on capacity-building in the use of GNSS-related technologies in various rapidly growing fields of science and industry. See http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/ en/SAP/gnss/icg.html

For further information please contact:

Sinead Harvey

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Telephone: (+43- 1) 26060-8718

Email: sinead.harvey[at]unoosa.org