AIR, UNOSAT Elevate Partnership with MoU to Advance Global Sustainability

On 26 March 2025, the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing. UNOSAT has long been at the forefront of using geospatial information and satellite technology to provide timely and accurate data for humanitarian relief, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. The partnership aims to strengthen joint efforts in leveraging aerospace technologies to bolster disaster resilience, advance sustainable development goals (SDGs), and foster international scientific cooperation.

During the signing ceremony, Prof. ZHANG Bing, Deputy Director of AIR, emphasized the partnership's strategic significance: "AIR and UNOSAT have collaborated effectively in disaster data response, SDGs’assessment, and heritage monitoring. We look forward to pioneering solutions that address global challenges while advancing mutual development goals." 

Mr. Evariste Karambizi, Acting Director of UNOSAT, praised AIR's contributions: "AIR's expertise has been instrumental in supporting our mission during major crises. We are eager to expand this collaboration into new domains, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

The partnership will prioritize the following thematic areas: disaster risk assessment and management, emergency response coordination, capacity building in remote sensing applications to support the SDGs, data sharing standards and accessibility, climate change adaptation and resilience planning, and public awareness initiatives alongside community engagement.

The MoU builds on years of joint efforts, including AIR's provision of satellite data and analytical support during UNOSAT-led disaster responses. Future initiatives under the framework will be operationalized through detailed project agreements, emphasizing resource efficiency and knowledge exchange.

ZHANG Bing, Deputy Director of AIR, signs an MoU with Evariste Karambizi, Acting Director of UNOSAT. (Image by AIR)