United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Management “Best Practices for Risk Reduction and Rapid Response Mapping”

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), through its UN-SPIDER Programme (United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response) is organising the above mentioned international conference to promote the access and use of space-based technologies and solutions for disaster management and emergency response within relevant communities.

One year after the opening of the UN-SPIDER office in Beijing in November 2010, this first “United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Management” will be hosted at the new location. The conference aims at bringing together around 200 participants including disaster managers, policy makers and providers of space technology solutions, tools and applications from Government, NGOs, Academia and the corporate sector.

The focus of the conference will be to share and discuss “Best Practices for Risk Reduction and Rapid Response Mapping”.

The three major topics will be:

• Global datasets and information for risk reduction

• Rapid response mapping: opportunities and challenges

• Networks: building upon and strengthening existing capacities

We invite you to consider joining us for what promises to be the leading UN-SPIDER event in 2011. For further information go to http://www.un-spider.org/conference-beijing-2011.

Target Audience

Disaster Managers, Policy Makers, Providers of space technology solutions/tools/applications from Government, Academia, NGO and Corporate Sector.

Number of expected participants: limited to 200 participants

OutcomesExpected outcomes of this conference are:

• An updated map of institutions and efforts focusing on the use of space-based applications for DRR and ER

• Strengthening the use of space-based information for disaster risk reduction by building upon the established SPIDER Thematic Partnerships to reach the goals of the Hyogo Framework for Action

• Enhancing the utility of rapid mapping products and services to serve precise needs during the emergency response

• Appraisal of the recent technology trends and programmes contributing to the space technology use in disaster risk management

How to apply

An online application form and guidelines will be available soon on http://www.un-spider.org/conference-beijing-2011.

Contact

For specific contributions to the proposed themes/sessions, for proposing a topic for technical presentation and for proposing to provide sponsorship, please contact Mr. Shirish Ravan, e-mail: shirish.ravan@unoosa.org and/or Ms. Li Suju, e-mail: lisuju@ndrcc.gov.cn