(L-R) UNOOSA Policy and Legal Affairs Section Associate Space Law Officer Yukiko Okumura, PhilSA Director of Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Noelle Riza Castillo, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo, and PhilSA Director of Space Technology Missions and Systems Bureau Marc Caesar Talampas.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) held a bilateral meeting on 26 October 2021 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, venue of the 72nd International Astronautical Congress.

PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. led the PhilSA delegation at the bilateral meeting. Dr. Marciano was joined by Director for Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Atty. Noelle Riza D. Castillo and Director for Space Technology Missions and Systems Bureau Dr. Marc Caesar R. Talampas. Meanwhile, UNOOSA Director Simonetta di Pippo was joined by Policy and Legal Affairs Section Associate Space Law Officer Yukiko Okumura and UNOOSA Office of the Director Associate Communication Officer Martin Stasko.

During the meeting, the PhilSA and UNOOSA discussed the status of activities planned and being undertaken following the PhilSA-UNOOSA memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June this year. The MOU provides a framework for achieving stronger collaboration on the use of space-based information for socio-economic development and attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Among the areas for cooperation identified under the MOU is the engagement on the activities of the UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), which will augment existing efforts in utilizing space-based information for disaster risk reduction, management and response in the country. Preparations for the Technical Advisory Mission (TAM) that will examine practices and mechanisms on the use of space-based information for disaster risk management and response is also underway.

(L-R) PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., UNOOSA Policy and Legal Affairs Section  Associate Space Law Officer Yukiko Okumura, UNOOSA Office of the Director Associate Communication Officer Martin Stasko, PhilSA Director of Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Noelle Riza Castillo, and UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo

The meeting also tackled the Agency’s participation in UNOOSA’s Space Law for New Space Actors Project as an area of cooperation under the PhilSA-UNOOSA MOU. The new initiative is aimed at capacitating policy makers and legislators of new and emerging space-faring nations. 

Prior to the meeting with UNOOSA, Director Castillo expressed excitement in PhilSA’s participation in the project: “The field of space law and policy is new in the country. We expect this field to grow and mature in the coming years with the implementation of the space programs of the Philippine Space Agency. Participation in UNOOSA’s Space Law for New Space Actors Project will enable PhilSA to benefit from the expertise of UNOOSA and learn from experiences of other nations that are more advanced in this field”. 

The International Astronautical Congress is an annual event organized by the International Astronautical Federation where global space actors convene to discuss the latest space information and developments in the academe and industry, and build networks, contacts, and potential partnerships. The 72nd International Astronautical Congress was held from 25-29 October 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.