Landmark agreement between the UNOSSC and ESA to leverage data and deepen South-South and triangular knowledge sharing
In a significant step toward harnessing space technology for inclusive development, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) today to deepen collaboration on the exploration and use of satellite Earth Observation (EO) data for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deepening South-South and triangular cooperation and evidence-based policy making.
The virtual ceremony, attended by senior representatives from both organizations, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at transforming open-access EO data into actionable insights for countries across the Global South – Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Middle-Income Countries (MICs). The signing of the Letter of Intent ahead of the 22nd meeting of the High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation is a strategic milestone.
Speaking at the event, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes Simonetta Cheli highlighted that “Earth observation is more than technology — it is a powerful enabler of sustainable, inclusive development.”.
UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib underscored the transformative potential of Earth observation data as a “global equalizer”, enabling countries of all capacities to overcome infrastructural barriers and make science-based decisions in areas ranging from agriculture to climate resilience.
“One size does not fit all,” the Director noted. “A key priority of this partnership will be to listen to Member States, unpack the specific needs of each countries group, and co-create tailored approaches to effectively leverage EO data – These differentiated pathways are essential to delivering inclusive, tangible results.”
The Director emphasized that the new collaboration reflects our shared belief that accessible data is one of the most powerful tools for addressing humanity’s most complex challenges.
The agreement aligns strategically with outcome documents and declarations, including the Doha Programme of Action, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, the Havana Science, Technology and Innovation Declaration, and the Buenos Aires outcome document of the second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40). These frameworks collectively call for enhanced cooperation in science, data, and innovation to address climate change, digital divides, and structural vulnerabilities.
Both partners envision the use of tools already at hand to enhance South-South and triangular cooperation, development financing and a more dynamic ecosystem of knowledge exchange supported by EO-driven platforms and insights of ESA and UNOSSC’s South-South Galaxy platform.
“Looking ahead, we envision regional exchanges, national-level work, and a vibrant ecosystem of South-South and triangular learning and collaboration – powered by open innovation and guided by trust,” the Director concluded. “Together, we can combine ESA’s technological excellence with UNOSSC’s mandate and partnership model.”
The ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes noted that “By jointly mobilising and sharing resources, we can help bring EO into the mainstream of development planning – enabling operational scaling through development finance instruments and making geospatial intelligence a core part of sustainable investment strategies”.
For further information, please contact Mithre J. Sandrasagra, UNOSSC Communication Specialist