About UNOOSA
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development. The Office assists any United Nations Member States to establish legal and regulatory frameworks to govern space activities and strengthens the capacity of developing countries to use space science technology and applications for development by helping to integrate space capabilities into national development programmes.Activities by UNOOSA
CommonSpace Initiative: Integrated Space Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction and SDG Implementation
Africa, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Latin America and the Caribbean GhanaTrinidad and TobagoThe CommonSpace Initiative (CSI) is a global programme designed to support developing countries in applying space-based solutions—including satellite Earth observation, GNSS, and communication technologies—to enhance disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and SDG implementation. CSI provides a coordinated framework where countries access geospatial data, modeling tools, and decision-support services through a unified platform. The initiative strengthens national disaster-management systems, facilitates technology transfer, and enables regional and international cooperation across the entire space-to-impact value chain. Expected impact includes improved early-warning capabilities, enhanced availability of space data for national planning, and stronger institutional adoption of space technologies for public-good applications.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsResearch/Reports/AssessmentsAwareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/ExchangeAI and Climate Action Curriculum
Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States AustriaIndiaNigeriaSouth Africa
The project consists on the development of a curriculum module on the utilization of space-based datasets for the development of AI applications on climate action, targeting girls in developing countries. A partnership with Technovation was launched in 2021 and several webinars presenting the role of space activities for climate action were organized. The work is in progress, working to attract women (age 8-18) to STEM careers through the incorporation of space related concepts in the curriculum that is run by Technovation each year.
The use of satellite remote sensing data created excitement and engagement in the audiences that participated in the various events organized. The use of space data requires dedicated expertise and time is needed to incorporate the expertise and knowledge into and accessible curriculum.
UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal Tools
Global ArgentinaChinaGermanyIndiaUN-SPIDER works in delivering resources for Member States to facilitate the acquisition and processing of space remote sensing data. This program aims to ensure that all countries and international and regional organizations have access to and develop the capacity to use all types of space-based information to support the full disaster management cycle. The portal provides knowledge, tools, and assessments for disaster management, including step-by-step procedures in GIS software, Python (Jupyter notebooks) and R scripts to download, process and visualize Earth observation data for monitoring and assessing droughts, floods, mudslides, and burn severity after forest fires.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsTechnical AssistanceEnsuring Responsible AI in Space and Earth Observation
Global Not ApplicableThis initiative outlines UNOOSA’s system-wide approach to promoting responsible and trustworthy artificial intelligence across the space and Earth-observation value chain. It identifies key governance, ethical, technical, and capacity-building priorities and provides actionable recommendations to UN Member States, the private sector, and academia. The project strengthens global understanding of responsible AI in satellite operations, geospatial analysis, and disaster-risk management.
Activity Type Policy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/Exchange