ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) will host an international conference on space technology, early warning systems and climate action in Islamabad from October 27 to 31, 2026.
The United Nations–Pakistan International Conference on Leveraging Space Technology for Early Warning for All (EW4All), Climate Action and Disaster Risk Assessment will bring together an estimated 200 to 250 participants. These will include 60 to 70 international delegates and around 150 national participants.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (Unoosa), through its UN-SPIDER programme, will co-sponsor the event alongside the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (Apsco) and the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (Isnet).
The five-day conference aims to promote the use of satellite observations, space-based technologies and geospatial data to strengthen early warning systems, improve disaster risk assessments and support climate action.
Focus on Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness
A key focus will be the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to protect communities and critical infrastructure from climate-related disasters through effective warning systems.
Participants will discuss how space technology can improve disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient development and the monitoring of water resources, agriculture, forests and environmental changes.
The programme will include high-level leadership dialogues, technical sessions, expert panels and presentations on disaster risk assessment, climate intelligence, geospatial technologies and emerging tools such as Geo AI.
Experts will also examine practical ways to shift disaster management from reactive responses to proactive risk assessment, preparedness and early action.
The conference will highlight the contributions of young researchers and youth-led initiatives to climate research and technological innovation.
Supporting Pakistan’s Climate Resilience
For Pakistan, the conference is expected to strengthen national capacity to use satellite-based and geospatial information for early warnings, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.
Improved technical capabilities in assessing flood, drought and heatwave risks could support better decision-making, strengthen preparedness and help protect vulnerable communities.
The event will also encourage institutional cooperation, technical capacity-building and the practical use of satellite-derived information in disaster management and climate-related planning.
Its discussions will align with major international frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
These efforts aim to translate international commitments into practical outcomes at national and regional levels.
Technical Visit to NDMA Planned
The conference will conclude on October 31 with a closing ceremony and a technical visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The visit will allow participants to learn about Pakistan’s disaster management systems and explore the operational use of geospatial data, satellite monitoring and early warning tools.
By bringing together national and international experts, Suparco aims to strengthen partnerships and advance the use of space technology in disaster preparedness and climate action.
The conference is also expected to reinforce Pakistan’s role in regional and international cooperation on space-based solutions for disaster risk management and climate resilience.
