Experts stress satellite technology for disaster preparedness

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at an international conference on Wednesday stressed the importance of satellite technology, geospatial intelligence and artificial intelligence in improving early warning systems and strengthening Pakistan's preparedness for climate-related disasters. The Pak-UN International Conference on Leveraging Space Technology for Early Warning for All (EW4All), Climate Action and Disaster Risk Assessment continued for a second day on Wednesday, with speakers discussing ways to improve disaster preparedness through satellite-based monitoring and geospatial technologies. Held under the theme 'From Risk to Warning: Space-Based Disaster Intelligence', the conference brought together national and international experts to exchange knowledge on disaster risk assessment, flood forecasting, climate resilience and early warning systems. Ambassador Khalil Hashmi presented Pakistan's perspective on disaster risk assessment, while Mubashar Hussain of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) discussed the country's National Catastrophe Risk Modeling initiative, highlighting the importance of risk-informed planning and evidence-based decision-making. Technical sessions featured presentations by representatives of international organisations and space agencies on global experiences and emerging approaches to using space technology for disaster risk reduction, climate action and early warning. Discussions covered satellite-based disaster monitoring, flood-risk reduction, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) early warning, reservoir monitoring and multi-hazard assessment. Speakers shared experiences from their respective countries on improving forecasting capabilities and strengthening responses to climate-related emergencies. A panel discussion on Pakistan's progress under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction examined ways to improve disaster risk governance through scientific evidence, institutional coordination and geospatial intelligence. The conference aimed to promote international cooperation and encourage the practical use of space-based information to improve early warning systems, support climate action and reduce disaster risks. The five-day conference was being organised by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET) and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Around 250 participants from 20 countries, including representatives of space agencies, government institutions, disaster management authorities, international organisations and academia, attended the event. The conference opened on Oct 27, with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal as the chief guest. Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan highlighted the growing role of satellite-based applications in climate monitoring, disaster risk assessment and the timely dissemination of critical information. Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2026