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
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 AssistanceLLM-powered Web-based information system / online compendium
Global Not ApplicableThe Space Solutions Compendium (SSC) is a web portal that aggregates information on space resources, applications and tools that can contribute to monitoring or achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It utilizes an LLM in RAG configuration to provide results that are backed by a compilation of space solutions connected to the SDGs. In its pilot phase, the SSC is populated with data coming from the European Space Agency (ESA), based on a partnership with UNOOSA to ingest ESA’s catalogue of SDG-related solutions. The SSC is designed to expand over time, allowing any space agency or governmental entity to contribute solutions through a template or a machine-to-machine interface, thereby supporting the broader Space4SDGs agenda.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsAwareness/AdvocacyInfrastructure/Systems DevelopmentNetworks/Mentorship/ExchangeCommonSpace 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.