the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Philippines Space Agency (PhilSA) to deliver joint capacity-building activities to enhance the use of space science and technology for socio-economic development, particularly in line with supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The two parties will enhance collaboration on the use of space-based information for disaster risk reduction and emergency response through UNOOSA’s programme UN-SPIDER (the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response).
UNOOSA and PhilSA will join forces on international space law, including by leveraging UNOOSA’s Space Law for New Space Actors project, to help spread awareness about the existing body of international law governing outer space activities. They will also conduct joint public awareness and education outreach initiatives on the importance of space science and technology for socio-economic development, in the context of UNOOSA’s Space Economy Initiative.
UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo said: “Through this partnership, we aim to step up our collaboration in a number of exciting areas, ranging from space for disaster risk reduction to space law and the space economy. By building on UNOOSA’s existing initiatives in these areas, and leveraging PhilSA’s knowledge and expertise, as well as network in the region, we will be able to expand the peaceful uses of outer space for development purposes, for the benefit of all.”
PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. said: “The MOU is an important step for the country as we continue to build the local space ecosystem and cascade the benefits of space science, technology and applications to society. It further signifies our desire to contribute more actively within the community of nations committed to the peaceful uses of outer space.”
