Space Technology and Applications for Development

03 January 2008, 4:11pm

Announcement:

Seminar on Space Technology and Applications for Sustainable Development

4 - 6 March 2008 (tentative); Dakar, Senegal

Introduction

Inter Islamic Network on Space Sciences & Technology (ISNET) in collaboration with Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), with the co-sponsorship of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is organising a Seminar on Space Technology and Applications for Sustainable Development.

The 3-day Seminar will provide a forum where representatives of OIC countries with diverse ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds will share their development experiences and the crucial role of space technology in sustainable development. Practical examples of projects undertaken in one country will benefit other OIC countries with possible chances of joint projects for sustainable development in fields like natural resources management, environment, tele-education, tele-medicine, agriculture, forestry and costal resources.

Background

The spectacular developments and achievements in space technology and its applications, during the last three decades, have changed the world. These have contributed significantly to socio-economic development. The vast and unlimited potential benefits of space technology have already extended to communi¬cation, TV broadcast, education, agriculture, industrial growth, resource management, environmental pollution, disaster mitigation, flood and health. Widespread utilization of distance education involving satellite based TV and radio broadcasting media are most ideally suited to provide basic education as well as continuing education to the vast, inaccessible and sparsely distributed population of the world. Another aspect of space technology’s work for sustainable development is Telemedicine, which facilitates provision of health solutions to a wider population in the most cost effective manner.

With the exception of a few, most OIC countries are facing development related issues. Increased industrial activities, growing populations and a host of societal problems all point towards the need for a comprehensive sustainable development approach. Space technology offers a wide range of innovative and cost effective solutions for sustainable development.

Objectives and Outcomes

The objective of this seminar is to provide practical examples of applications of space technology in solving long standing developmental problems. Specifically in the context of Africa, sustainable development is most pertinent and the potentials of space technology applications to provide most comprehensive, cost effective and creative solutions to the long standing problems of developing countries need to be explored, realized and applied.

It is expected that the seminar will develop, amongst the participants and decision makers, a thorough understanding of the effectiveness of space technology applications in planning and development projects and provide the African scientists and technologists a better knowledge of potential applications of space technology for solving various regional problems.

Programme Overview

The program will comprise presentations on practical applications of space technology for sustainable development focusing on themes relevant in the African context such as:

1.Natural Resources Management
2.Forestry and Coastal Resources Management
3.Environmental Management
4.Water Resources Management
5.Agriculture
6.Tele-medicine
7.Tele-education

Dates, Venue and Participation

The seminar will be held a few days prior to the 11th OIC Summit scheduled to be held in March 2008 in Dakar, Senegal.

Scientists, researchers, engineers and experts from OIC member countries can participate and present scientific papers related to practical applications of space technology in developmental projects.

Delegates and head of space agencies can present country reports on applications of space technology in various areas of national development.

Attendance of the seminar is open to professionals from relevant fields and decision makers in OIC countries.
The working language of the workshop will be English.

Registration

Attendees from Africa Free (prior registration required, open till 01 March 2008)
Others USD 500/-

No registration fee for participants with scientific papers/presentations, and invitees.

Dates

Last date for abstract submission - 20 January 2008
Intimation of selection - 28 January 2008
Last date for sending full papers and presentations - 15 February 2008
Tentative Seminar dates - 4 – 6 March 2008

Completely filled application form should be submitted via email or fax to:

Ms Tasleem Arfeen
ISNET Secretariat
SUPARCO HQ, PO Box 8402, Karachi 75270,
Pakistan
Tel: 92 21 4650765 Ext: 2234
Fax: 92 21 4694941, 4644928
Email: info@isnet.org.pk

Geo: International