The Philippines successfully hosted the 7th International Space Forum (ISF) on 04 December 2025, marking the first time the ministerial-level forum was held in Southeast Asia. Convened at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City, the forum brought together Ministers, heads of space agencies, senior government officials, academic leaders, and industry stakeholders to chart a collaborative course for the region’s space future.
Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), in collaboration with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) as local host, the forum underscored the growing role of space science and technology in addressing regional development challenges. Christian Feichtinger of the IAF noted that the forum’s theme, “Fostering Regional Synergy in Space for Shared Challenges and Sustainable Development,” reflects “how space science and technology can meaningfully contribute to regional development,” adding that the discussions embodied “the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the international space community.”
Speaking at the forum, PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. emphasized the urgency of regional cooperation, citing the recent disasters that have affected communities across Southeast Asia. “Vulnerability does not respect borders, and neither can our response,” she said. Quoting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Perez underscored that “space technology is no longer something only scientists and engineers appreciate—it is now woven into our daily lives.” She added that satellite data and space-based mapping are becoming indispensable tools for early warning systems, disaster response, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Discussions centered on three core themes: building regional capabilities through collaborative missions; expanding Earth observation and connectivity applications for disaster risk reduction, agriculture, maritime security, environmental protection, and infrastructure monitoring; and strengthening cooperation frameworks to support a sustainable regional space ecosystem. IAF President Gabriella Arrigo highlighted the forum’s practical focus, noting that discussions were aimed at “tangible solutions for real needs—ranging from connectivity and disaster response to smart agriculture, maritime security, and environmental monitoring.”
Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, PhilSA Officer-in-Charge, delivered opening remarks for the International Space Forum on behalf of the host country
From a diplomatic perspective, ASI President Teodoro Valente described the ISF as a platform for space diplomacy, noting that “space offers a powerful avenue for partnership, mutual understanding, and shared growth.” He expressed hope that the Manila Forum would “open a new chapter for regional cooperation in Southeast Asia,” enabling countries to share experiences, align priorities, and explore new collaborative opportunities.
The need for integrated and collaborative action was echoed by representatives from various Philippine sectors. From a governance and budgetary perspective, Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo detailed how strategic partnerships, such as Project DIME (Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation), enable data-driven fiscal policies and climate-resilient investments. University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez and UP Vice President for Research and Innovation Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. underscored that building a resilient space value chain—from upstream to downstream services—depends on robust linkages across government, industry, and academia, amplified by international knowledge exchange. “The great challenges we face do not recognize borders, and the solutions we seek cannot be built by one nation alone,” UP President Jimenez said.
Together, their messages highlight the central role of diplomacy, as emphasized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which channels these multi-sectoral efforts onto the international stage. Diplomacy ensures that collaborative national advancements are scaled into regional frameworks, fostering open dialogue, peaceful norms, and shared commitments necessary to transform space-based tools into collective security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth for all.
DFA Undersecretary Leo Herrera Lim, on behalf of DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro, stated: “As a responsible and emerging space-faring nation, the Philippines recognizes the importance of cultivating a space ecosystem where opportunities for cooperation are truly limitless. Just as outer space knows no borders, our efforts to advance space science and technology must also transcend boundaries. We must continue championing initiatives that push the frontiers of knowledge, expand what we believe is possible, and strengthen our shared commitment to an inclusive and forward-looking space community.”
The forum was attended by representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Vietnam.
The forum’s outcomes were formalized in the “Manila Page,” a substantive document capturing shared aspirations and priority actions for regional cooperation in space. As the Southeast Asia Chapter of the ISF legacy, the Manila Page translates high-level dialogue into a forward-looking framework for coordinated regional progress in space science, technology, and policy.
Looking ahead, Perez emphasized that the true measure of success lies in implementation. “Together, we can deliver space-enabled solutions that reach the communities that need them most,” she said. “The value of space is not in the stars we reach, but in the lives we uplift here on Earth.”
With the successful hosting of ISF 2025, the Philippines affirms its growing role as a convenor and partner in regional space cooperation. Through PhilSA, the country will work with Southeast Asian counterparts, the IAF, ASI, and international partners to advance the priorities outlined in the Manila Page, strengthen regional coordination, and promote the peaceful and sustainable use of space in support of socio-economic development and resilience.
View the ISF photo album here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/iafastro/albums/72177720330697140/with/54963155270
About the Organizers
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is the world’s leading space advocacy body with 604 Members from 82 countries, including all leading space agencies, companies, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums worldwide.
Following its motto “Connecting @ll Space People” and its theme “A space-faring world cooperating for the benefit of humanity”, the Federation advances knowledge about space, supporting the development and application of space assets by promoting global cooperation.
As organizer of the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) – world’s premier global space event – and other thematic events, the IAF actively encourages the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes and supports the dissemination of scientific and technical information related to space.
ASI, the Italian Space Agency, was established in 1988 as a national authority with the task of drawing up and enacting Italian space policy in compliance with governmental guidelines.
The Agency has established itself as one of the world’s foremost players in space science, satellite technology and the development of vehicles for exploring the cosmos. Today, ASI is a leader at the European and global levels. It has a close collaborative relationship with NASA and has participated in many of the most interesting scientific missions of recent years. One such project was the construction and operation of the International Space Station, which is currently home to a number of Italian astronauts.
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About the Local Host
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications (SSTA). Created under Republic Act (RA) 11363, or the Philippine Space Act, PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President for purposes of policy and program coordination, and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.
PhilSA has six Key Development Areas (KDA), namely: National Security and Development, Hazard Management and Climate Studies, Space Research and Development, Space Industry and Capacity Building, Space Education and Awareness, and International Cooperation.
7th International Space Forum at Ministerial Level – The Southeast Asian Chapter
“Fostering Regional Synergy in Space for Shared Challenges and Sustainable Development”
On December 4th, 2025, the Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation, Space Authorities, and other governmental representatives from the Southeast Asian countries- as well as representatives and experts from national and international space agencies and organizations- gathered in Manila (Philippines) under the auspices of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), for the 7th International Space Forum – The Southeast Asia Chapter (ISF 2025).
Following the first International Space Forum in Trento (Italy) in 2016 and the subsequent regional Chapters focusing on Africa (Nairobi, 2017), Latin America and the Caribbean (Buenos Aires, 2018), Mediterranean region (Reggio Calabria, 2019), Central America and the Caribbean (Panama City, 2023), and the Gulf region (Manama, 2024), the Southeast Asia Chapter offered a renewed platform for open and productive dialogue. Discussions focused on strengthening regional space cooperation to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving regions. Ministers, delegates, and experts exchanged views, shared experiences and visions, and delivered statements that highlighted several key insights:
- The Southeast Asian region, positioned at the crossroads of major powers and global trade routes, faces unique strategic challenges that demand space-based solutions for economic diversification beyond traditional dependencies and for supply chain monitoring.
- Space technologies and related applications are essential tools for addressing the unique challenges faced by Southeast Asian countries, particularly natural disasters, climate change, maritime security, infrastructure shortages, and sustainable development in the region’s distinctive coastal and archipelagic environments, where traditional solutions are constrained by geography.
- Space activities require advanced scientific and technical knowledge, as well as a multidisciplinary approach that leverages the diverse expertise across the region while addressing different levels of technological development and regulatory frameworks among participating nations.
- Academia, Universities, and Research Centers are invaluable sources of knowledge and human capital, widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia and characterized by strong traditions of regional cooperation, though requiring enhanced coordination to bridge development gaps and maximize collective capabilities.
- Enhanced cooperation among Southeast Asian countries and with international partners would multiply the benefits of space technology for sustainable development, regional stability, environmental concerns, and economic resilience in the face of global competition, also in the framework of existing cooperative platforms, such as the pivotal Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Three keynote speeches, structured under the integrated vision of Looking Up, Looking Down, and Looking Around, guided the discussions:
- Looking Up Together: Developing Space Capabilities and Infrastructure – Building regional space infrastructure and capabilities through collaborative missions and coordinated space technology development is central to addressing critical infrastructure needs.
- Looking Down Together: Value Chains for Regional Space Downstream Services and Solutions – Developing integrated Earth observation services and connectivity solutions is vital to address common regional challenges, including disaster management, agricultural monitoring, maritime security, environmental protection, and infrastructure development monitoring across the diverse Southeast Asian landscape, with special attention to archipelagic and coastal nation needs.
- Looking Around: Enabling the Space Value Chain through Cooperation, Education, Policy, and R&D – Strengthening regional cooperation frameworks, harmonizing space policies, enhancing educational exchange programs, and fostering research and development partnerships all contribute significantly to building a sustainable space ecosystem.
Delegates noted that:
- The region’s geographical diversity and varying levels of infrastructure development offer both opportunities and challenges, necessitating tailored approaches to technology transfer, data access, and capacity building. Southeast Asia is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, significant climate variability, and environmental challenges, all of which are exacerbated by dense populations and rapid urbanization. Coordinated space-based monitoring and early warning systems are vital to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructures.
- The region hosts both emerging and established space actors, opening opportunities for knowledge transfer, capacity building, and joint initiatives that can leverage comparative advantages while reducing disparities.
- The strategic importance of the maritime domain across Southeast Asia underscores the need for space-based solutions in navigation, communications, surveillance, and dispute monitoring.
- ASEAN and related regional mechanisms provide a strong foundation for enhancing space cooperation and coordination, though they require further reinforcement to address evolving governance needs and ensure adequate transparency and accountability.
Authorities, Heads of space agencies, and delegates welcomed the 7th International Space Forum – The Southeast Asia Chapter – and identified the following points as the main objectives to be pursued in the short to medium term:
- Promotion of shared space infrastructures, including satellite projects, regional ground station networks, and data sharing platforms, to maximize coverage and cost-effectiveness across the region, with particular attention to bridging infrastructure gaps and providing resilient communication capabilities for the most vulnerable areas;
- Development of regional space downstream services focusing on disaster management, agricultural monitoring, maritime security, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and critical infrastructure monitoring tailored to Southeast Asian needs, with emphasis on supporting economic diversification, entrepreneurship stimulus, and supply chain resilience;
- Strengthening of space education and capacity building programs through university partnerships, student exchange programs, and joint research initiatives to develop the next generation of space professionals in the region while addressing skill gaps and promoting scientific excellence across all participating nations;
- Harmonization of space policies and regulations to facilitate cross-border space activities, data sharing, and joint missions while respecting national sovereignty, with emphasis on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance practices in space activities;
- Enhanced regional space cooperation among Southeast Asian countries within the ASEAN framework and with Pacific partners, to facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and joint mission development while addressing varying levels of space development and regulatory frameworks across the region;
- Promotion of peaceful, responsible, and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of current and future generations, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and regional prosperity;
The Southeast Asian delegations, recognizing both the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region in an era of global competition and economic transformation, expressed their firm commitment to pursue the objectives set forth during this 7th edition of the International Space Forum 2025. They also committed to enhancing the participation of local institutions, universities, scientific communities, and private-sector actors, and to further expanding dialogue on space capabilities and technology for socio-economic development, regional resilience, and peaceful cooperation in outer space.