United Nations/Chile Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio-Economic Benefits

The United Nations/Chile Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio-Economic Benefits is hosted by the Centro de Información de Recursos Naturales (CIREN) of Chile, co organized by The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America, in partnership with Secure World Foundation.

1. Introduction

The last three decades of the 20th century have witnessed space technology becoming increasingly applicable and relevant in daily life, to the point where now space applications are an indispensible part of the modern information society. Space-based systems deliver information and services that protect lives and the environment, contribute to sustainable development planning, enhance prosperity and security, and stimulate industrial and economic development.Education, capacity building and space and society initiatives are pursued to ensure that countries in the developing world develop the requisite human capital to support national space activities, including the development of space applications products and services.

2. Background

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) is organizing a series of workshops to promote the use of space technology and its applications for socio-economic benefits, in cooperation with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The first workshop was held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 14 to 17 September 2010. 

The second workshop was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 10 to 14 October 2011, and hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology (VAST). 

The third workshop will be held in Santiago, Chile, from 12 to 16 November 2012, and hosted by the Natural Resources Information Center (CIREN) on behalf of the Government of Chile.Specific to this workshop, a 1-day training describing the analytical and technological process from satellite observations to actionable social and/or economic decisions is offered to participants in cooperation with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS).

3. Objectives

The overall objective of the workshop is to increase awareness among policy makers and planners on the socio-economic benefits of utilizing space technology.The workshop will contribute to international cooperation by providing opportunities to exchange in-depth information on Space Technology Applications for Socio-Economic Benefits.

Specific objectives for this workshop are to:

• Share information on research and applications studies that have demonstrated the use of space technology for societal benefit;
• Address principles and mechanisms for enhancing national, regional, and international cooperation in space technology development and applications;
• Demonstrate the benefits of various space technology applications for priorities highlighted by the RIO+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development: energy, cities, food, water, oceans, and disasters; and
• Promote integration of space solutions into national development agenda, including building institutional and governance frameworks.

The workshop will lead to:

• The development of collaborative project ideas, that while addressing specific societal issues confronting individual member states or regions, are applicable globally;
• The identification of research activities in the context of decision-making that would benefit from space solutions; and
• The development of a strategy for building institutional capacity to integrate space solutions into the national development agenda.

4. Programme of the Workshop

The workshop programme will include presentations that detail the current use of the space technology for socio-economic benefits and that discuss the on-going and planned initiatives that national and regional institutions should be aware of and should take advantage of, and discussion sessions that will contribute to the creation and consolidation of existing networks and partnerships. A 1-day training describing the analytical and technological process from satellite observations to actionable social and/or economic decisions is offered to participants.

The following issues are part of the workshop programme:

• Enhancing use of space science and technology applications to promote sustainable development and to secure global public goods;
• Data sharing and retrieval;
• Regional and international cooperation; and
• Building institutional and governance capability and capacity.

Read the Programme here.

5. Expected Participants

The workshop is expected to bring together up to 150 participants and is targeting policymakers, decision makers and senior experts from international, regional and national institutions, governmental institutions, research and academic institutions, multi-lateral and bi-lateral development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry.

6. Language of the Workshop and Presentation by Participants

The working language of the workshop will be English. There will be interpretation services from English into Spanish and vice versa.

Selected participants who are funded by the cosponsors of the workshop will be required to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 to 20 minutes on topics relevant to the workshop objectives and the programme. Presentations on actual on-going projects will be of particular interest to participants of the workshop.

7. Dates and Location of the Workshop

The workshop will be held in Santiago, Chile, from 12 to 16 November 2012. All selected and invited participants will receive an information package with details on room and board and other local arrangements.

8. Financial Support

Within the limited financial resources available, a number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the workshop. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip ticket - most economic fare - between the airport of international departure in their home country and Santiago, Chile) and/or room and board expenses during the duration of the workshop.Funded participants will receive detailed information upon notification of their selection.

9. Deadline for Submission of Applications

The completed application form, properly endorsed by applicant's government/institution, should be mailed to:

Office for Outer Space Affairs
United Nations Office at Vienna
Vienna International Centre
P.O. BOX 500A-1400 Vienna, AUSTRIA
Phone: (+43 1) 26060- 4948
E-mail: unpsa@unvienna.org

to reach the Office no later than 14 September 2012.

To accelerate processing of your application, you should also email to unpsa@unvienna.org or fax an advance copy directly to the Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations Office at Vienna, fax: (+43-1)-26060-5830. Only complete applications, with all the requested information and signatures, will be considered.

Online application for the Workshop is also available. We encourage all candidates to apply for the workshop online, as it helps to streamline the processing of applications. The online application form can be accessed here or Ms Word Format.

10. Life and Health Insurance

Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or his/her institution or Government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidents.

11. Points of Contact

For information regarding the programme of the Workshop, please contact

• Mr. Levent Canturk, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs:
  E-mail : LEVENT.CANTURK@UNOOSA.ORG
  Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5748
  Fax: (+43-1) 260607-5748

The focal points for Chile:

• Ms. Eliana Henriquez, Head of International Affairs Unit (CIREN)
  E-mail: EHENRIQUEZ@CIREN.CL
  Telephone: (+56-2) 200 8900
  Fax: (+56-2) 200 8914
• Mr. Fernando Carbonell, Head of Communications Unit (CIREN)
  E-mail: FCARBONELL@CIREN.CL
  Telephone: (+56-2) 200 8900
  Fax: (+56-2) 200 8914

12. Final Report

The final report from the United Nations/Chile Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio-Economic Benefits is now available.