Strengthening science services to safeguard our planet

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General

Nearly half of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinge on Earth observation enabled by reliable radiocommunication networks. More broadly, we could meet over two-thirds of SDG targets faster through digital technologies and connectivity.

This makes the World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC‑23, pivotal in tackling some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from education to health care to climate. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the conference will update the Radio Regulations, the global treaty governing radio spectrum and satellite orbits.

WRC‑23 — taking place between 20 November and 15 December in Dubai, UAE — will see global participation, with countries striving together for agreements on the use of the radio spectrum for technologies that matter deeply to all of us. This is remarkable and increasingly rare.

Radio networks are vital to making our world more sustainable, and WRC‑23 can help us move forward together on all fronts.

One of those fronts is climate monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation. ITU is a key partner in Early Warnings for All — the UN Secretary-General’s groundbreaking initiative to ensure everyone on Earth is protected from climate hazards and disasters through life-saving alerts by the end of 2027.

At this critical juncture for action, ITU News Magazine explores space-based science services. Through keen observation and data, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, fair, and sustainable world.

Download your copy of the ITU News Magazine: Science services.

Header image credit: NASA
Photo: ITU/D. Woldu