COP31: Accelerating triangular cooperation for the exploration and use of satellite Earth Observation data for evidence-based policymaking in SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs and MICs

Joint UNOSSC-ESA Event at COP31 ^*

Accelerating triangular cooperation for the exploration and use of satellite Earth Observation data for evidence-based policymaking in SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs and MICs

Tuesday, 10 November 2026
15:00 - 16:30 TRT

UN Türkiye Pavilion, COP31 Blue Zone, Antalya, Türkiye

* This programme is a draft. Speakers and partners may change as the event date approaches.

Agenda

Time	Segment	Proposed lead / speaker	Focus
Welcoming remarks
15:00–15:02	Welcome and framing	Ritu Bharadwaj, IIED, moderator	Introduce the central question: how can Earth Observation become a sustained national policymaking capability and how can successful applications and lessons travel across borders?
15:02–15:08	COP31 host-country perspective	Ms. Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye	Position evidence, innovation and international cooperation within the COP31 implementation context.
15:08–15:11	UN system and national implementation	Mr. Babatunde Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Türkiye	National ownership, coherent UN support, SDG implementation and multistakeholder partnerships.
15:11–15:15	Triangular cooperation and ESA–UNOSSC partnership	Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, UNOSSC Director	Frame South-South and triangular cooperation as a mechanism for enabling EO applications, expertise and lessons to travel across borders. Introduce the ESA–UNOSSC partnership and the Global Alliance.
15:15–15:20	Earth Observation for climate action and sustainable development	Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes, ESA	Strategic ESA perspective on EO for evidence-based policymaking; ESA–UNOSSC cooperation; national capacity development; and links to the wider Earth Information Day and systematic-observation agenda.
Presentations and interventions from partners:
15:20–15:32	From satellite observations to decision-ready information	ESA Global Development Assistance Programme Susanne Mecklenburg, Head of the Climate and Long-Term Action Division, Climate Action, Sustainability & Science Department	Demonstrate how EO information can be translated into operational services and decision-ready evidence. Use two or three practical examples and highlight relevant ESA GDA resources and capabilities.
15:32–15:42	National case — Türkiye	Turkish national technical institution (Ministry of Environment) Dr. Cem GÜLLÜOĞLU, Head of Remote Sensing Department, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Türkiye	Present a concrete climate or development challenge, the EO application or information involved, institutional use, capacity requirements and a lesson that may be relevant elsewhere.
15:42–15:47	National case 2	Colombia / Guatemala or another participating institution	Practical application emphasizing the development or policy decision being supported and potential for cross-border learning.
15:47–15:52	National case 3	Jamaica / Mauritius or another participating institution	SIDS, coastal/ocean resilience or another relevant national application.
15:52–15:57	Investment and finance perspective	Norio Saito, Deputy Director General, ADB	Explain how EO-derived evidence can support risk assessment, project preparation, investment prioritization and climate-finance decisions.
15:57–16:10	Innovation and capacity ecosystem	Dr. David Kolitzus, Head of Climate Department, GeoVille Information Systems and Data Prof. Tim Naish, Chair of the WCRP’s Joint Scientific Committee Dr. Bart van den Hurk, Scientific Director at Deltares and IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair	Address skills, analytical methods, platforms, institutional partnerships and service models required for sustained national EO capacity.
16:10–16:25	Moderated dialogue: from Earth information to implementation	Moderator + speakers (2–3 additional questions)	Explore what information decision-makers need; which national capacities remain missing; which applications are most transferable; what must be adapted locally; and how triangular partners can support institutionalization and scaling.
16:25–16:30	Joint closing	UNOSSC + ESA	Summarize principal messages and indicate follow-up through ESA–UNOSSC cooperation and the Global Alliance.