Source: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific Region
Bangkok, 19 October 2026
Ministers and senior policymakers from across Asia and the Pacific will gather in Bangkok on 28 – 29 October to explore how space technology can help countries better prepare for disasters, improve early warning systems and address other development challenges.
The Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (MC-5) will focus on turning space-based data into practical solutions through regional cooperation. Co-organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Royal Thai Government with the support of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the conference will highlight how countries can make better use of geospatial information to support evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development.
Satellite imagery and other geospatial tools can help countries monitor drought, assess disaster impacts, manage water resources and plan infrastructure. Combining this information with ground-based data and digital technologies can help policymakers make better-informed decisions, while cooperation among countries can improve access to data and knowledge-sharing.
The conference will also feature Geospatial Practices for Sustainable Development in North and Central Asia 2026: A Compendium. The publication showcases practical solutions from the subregion, including the use of geospatial technology to monitor drought and disaster impacts, manage water resources, identify suitable sites for solar and wind farms and improve city planning to help reduce road accidents.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
Media representatives are invited to cover the event in-person or follow the proceedings online. UN expert interview is available upon request.
What: The Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific
When: 28 – 29 October 2026
Where: UN Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, 10200 Bangkok
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its member States and associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.