Bangkok Declaration adopted to expand regional space cooperation
The framework has backing from 53 ESCAP member states and nine associate members, with priorities including disaster response and data sharing.
A regional space cooperation framework won endorsement in Bangkok on 28 October 2026 from 53 ESCAP member states and nine associate members. Adopted at a ministerial conference co-hosted by Thailand, the Bangkok Declaration sets priorities through 2030 for using satellite information and other technologies to support sustainable development.
ESCAP, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, jointly organised the meeting with Thailand. The declaration will underpin the 2026–2030 third phase of the regional action plan for space applications.
Its priorities include integrating artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cloud computing, big data and satellite communications into space activities. The framework also seeks to narrow inequalities in access to technology.
Businesses, including startups and smaller firms, are encouraged to take part alongside universities and research bodies. The declaration backs voluntary exchanges of data consistent with national legislation, as well as shared standards to make information systems interoperable.
Greater availability of data is expected to aid emergency response, environmental surveillance, climate monitoring, farming and food security.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said AI used alongside radar and optical satellites had improved monitoring of droughts, floods and transboundary haze. He identified the remaining challenge as turning those observations into decisions that deliver help during emergencies.
His proposed “3P” strategy centres on warnings that assess consequences for communities, capacity-building through links between universities, GISTDA and industry, and better connections among regional data systems.
