UN-SPIDER Welcomes SANSA as 28th Regional Support Office

Key Highlight

• SANSA is officially the 28th Regional Support Office (RSO) for UN-SPIDER.

During the ongoing 67th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and its Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) have announced that the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has officially become the 28th Regional Support Office (RSO) for UN-SPIDER. 

As a newly appointed RSO, SANSA is set to collaborate closely with UN-SPIDER. This partnership, which will focus on outreach, capacity building, cooperation, and technical advisory support, holds immense potential. Leveraging SANSA’s expertise and resources will significantly enhance regional disaster management and emergency response efforts, marking a significant step forward in the field.

In May 2023, the Institutional Strengthening Mission (ISM) to South Africa revealed promising synergies between the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), and various other stakeholders. This mission featured a series of workshops and institutional visits to leverage space-based information for improved disaster preparedness and response while fostering robust inter-institutional collaboration.

A key outcome of the mission was the discussion between UN-SPIDER and SANSA regarding SANSA’s integration as a Regional Support Office (RSO) within the UN-SPIDER framework. This development marks a crucial step in enhancing the capabilities of disaster management and emergency response initiatives.

SANSA’s inclusion in the global RSO network will significantly advance UN-SPIDER’s mission to use space-based data in disaster management. This partnership will bolster the ability to support comprehensive disaster management efforts in Southern Africa and internationally.