EU Statement on space-system-based disaster management support at COPUOS 63rd Session of the Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee, 4 January 2026
Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Albania, Armenia and Ukraine also align themselves with this statement.
Chair,
On October 13, 2025—the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction underscored the necessity of investing in measures that prepare communities before crises unfold. Earth Observation is vital for reducing disaster risk, supporting early warning capabilities, anticipating risks, reducing vulnerabilities, and planning effective mitigation strategies.
Through the Global Gateway and the EU Space Programme, we promote a data-driven approach to disaster management. The Copernicus Earth Observation programme, provides free, open, and reliable satellite data through its Sentinel missions supporting scientists, policymakers, and emergency teams worldwide in preparing for risks, and enhancing preparedness. Sentinel-1 radar helps identify flooded areas and monitor ground movements with millimetre precision, while Sentinel-2 complements with high-resolution optical imagery aiding recovery proceedings.
Copernicus transforms data into actionable insights via the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS), supporting disaster preparedness, response, recovery and risk reduction. CEMS offers rapid risk mapping and early warning systems for floods, wildfires, and droughts worldwide. The Global Flood Awareness System provides flood forecasts 30 days in advance, while the Global Drought Observatory monitors agricultural impacts, and the Global Wildfire Information System addresses fire danger. The Global Human Settlement Layer aids understanding of urbanisation patterns and their hazard exposure.
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s 2024 report highlight significant disaster-related economic risks in Latin America and the Caribbean. The CopernicusLAC Panama Centre serves as a regional hub for addressing disaster risk reduction and climate change challenges, empowering authorities for informed decision-making. It offers Earth Observation services for hydrometeorological, geological and wildfire hazards, uses Sentinel data and AI to forecast landslides. The hub enhances community engagement through policy dialogues, support private sector development, provide trainings and hosted a hackathon in August 2025 focused on urban resilience. The winning project, Comunidades Satélites, combines satellite monitoring and territorial analysis for sustainable urban growth.
The development of similar partnerships can be considered in other countries and regions.
Thank you.