Space applications and global sustainable development : Science-Policy Brief for the UN Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, 7 May 2025
The policy brief explores the role of space-based technologies and services in addressing various global challenges and advancing sustainable development. It highlights how space applications, such as Earth observation, navigation, and telecommunications, can be integrated with terrestrial systems to provide solutions for remote sensing, disaster management and climate monitoring. The policy brief emphasizes the importance of space-derived data in tracking and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17. It discusses how space technologies can contribute to good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, life below water, and partnerships for the goals. The policy brief identifies a need for strategic alliances between stakeholders to enhance the use of space-derived data for sustainable development and to support the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.