Bangkok:"Yoschanan" has taken a significant step in leading 62 Asia-Pacific nations by endorsing the "Bangkok Declaration," which aims to integrate advanced space technology to achieve sustainability goals. This declaration was made at the United Nations and seeks to transform space technology into an economic engine.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), delivered a statement at the 5th Ministerial Conference on Utilizing Space for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
Thailand, as a co-host with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), showcased its potential as a regional leader in space technology. The nation spearheaded the initiative, leading to the official adoption of the "Bangkok Declaration on Utilizing Space for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific."
This achievement, resulting from the consensus of all 53 ESCAP member states and 9 associate members, marks a significant milestone in shaping the region's space cooperation until 2030. The declaration addresses the global challenge of achieving only 15-17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Member countries are urged to expand the capabilities of space technology and geospatial information to bridge this gap. The focus is on integrating advanced technologies such as AI, Big Data, Cloud, Quantum, and satellite communications to eliminate technological disparities.
The declaration also invites full participation from the private sector, startups, SMEs, and educational and research institutions. It aims to create a voluntary data sharing mechanism under national laws and establish interconnected common data standards. The primary goal is to enhance disaster response, climate change preparedness, environmental monitoring, and improve agricultural sector capacity and food security.
The Bangkok Declaration will serve as the primary framework for the Third Asia-Pacific Action Plan (2026-2030), continuing the goals until the Sixth Session in 2030. During his statement, Prof. Dr. Yoschanan highlighted the collaboration between optical satellites, radar satellites, and AI technology to monitor environmental crises more accurately.
The Deputy Prime Minister presented a "3P" strategy—People, Prosperity, and Partnership—focusing on upgrading early warning systems, building capacity throughout the space value chain, and connecting the region's data systems into a single entity.
Prof. Dr. Yoschanan emphasized the importance of transforming space technology into a reliable economic and scientific engine to drive growth, enhance disaster preparedness, and build peace in the region. The achievement reinforces Thailand's leadership role in regional space technology, following its hosting of the 3rd summit in 2018.
The statement concluded with a hopeful vision for space technology to protect people, safeguard the planet, create prosperity, promote peace, and strengthen partnerships indefinitely.