Space for Global Health: Bridging Space and Earth to Improve Lives 🚀🌍

Honored to represent QL Space at the Regional Conference on Space Technology for Advancing Global Health at the United Nations in Vienna. Co-organized by United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), World Health Organization and the Space and Global Health Network, this event was a powerful reminder that space technology isn’t just about astronauts and rockets (though I have a soft spot for both!)—it’s about creating real-world solutions that improve life on Earth.

Building on the areas identified by hashtag#COPUOS’ Working Group on Space and Global Health, this conference focused on implementing the UN’s resolution on Space and Global Health and advancing hashtag#SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. We explored how Earth Observation and satellite connectivity can strengthen health systems, improve disease monitoring, and bring care to underserved regions. Key discussions centered on Geospatial Information for Health Use Cases, Space and Health Data, and Capacity-Building.

It was inspiring to hear from the European Space Agency – ESA’s hashtag#EO4Health team lead Stefano Ferretti, PhD on how they monitor trees to study impacts on non-communicable diseases and as well as from initiatives by the Friendship NGO in Bangladesh monitoring mangroves—vital efforts that deepen our understanding of how ecosystem health influences public well-being.

At QL Space, we’re proud to contribute to this mission with our own mangrove monitoring work in Saudi Arabia. Mangroves are not only coastal protectors; they play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and in supporting the health of nearby communities. By leveraging satellite data, we’re helping to advance environmental health and sustainability goals.

As an industry, we must continue to strive to do better when it comes to communicating the benefits of space technology—not only to policymakers but also to the public. That’s why I’m thrilled to be part of the Space and Global Health Network’s task force, hosted by the Geneva Digital Health Hub (gdhub) under the guidance of Awa Babington-Ashaye, Ph.D and chaired by Ilaria Cinelli PhD FAsMA and John Wilson, where we’re developing a curriculum of use cases. By collaborating with the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and UNOOSA, we’re creating learning modules that feature case studies on tracking disease vectors and assessing climate impacts on health—equipping future leaders with the skills they need to make a difference.

Thank you to UNOOSA, WHO, and all the inspiring speakers for a productive event. At QL Space, we’re committed to harnessing Earth Observation to drive positive health outcomes and support a healthier planet.

#SpaceForHealth #GlobalHealth #SpaceForEarth #SustainableDevelopment #QLSpace Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST)