SPACE AS A CATALYST FOR INCLUSIVE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum of developing and developed countries seeking solutions to global economic and financial issues. The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
South Africa is set to host the G20 in 2025 and the South African National Space Agency will host a series of meetings for the Space20 engagement group. This engagement group focuses on leveraging space technology as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development within the G20 countries. The priorities and deliverables of the engagement group will be driven through the 6th Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM), and two aligned symposia/workshops. An organising committee comprising the DSTI, SANSA and the South African Space Industry will be established.
BACKGROUND
The SELM was initiated during Saudi Arabia’s Presidency and was led by the Saudi Space Commission (2020) and was the first meeting of space agency leaders that belong to G20 countries. The meeting was hosted by the G20 Saudi Secretariat, as a part of the International Conferences Program honouring Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency.
The objective of hosting SELM was to facilitate a stage on which influential countries (who foster the common vision of elevating the space sector) can collaborate on future and existing projects revolving around peaceful space exploration, space industry investment, and space science innovation. The Saudi Space Commission further envisaged the SELM not only as a platform, but also as a forum through which the Kingdom’s political, economic, and scientific commitments to peace and international development could be underscored. SELM has since been hosted as follows: the Italian Space Agency (2021); the National Research & Innovation Agency of Indonesia (2022); the India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (2023) and the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) in 2024. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) will host the 6th SELM in 2025
The delegates include Heads of Space Agencies, the European Commission; the African Union Commission, guest countries; the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and several other organisations, consulting firms, economic entities and experts in the fields of space.
Proceedings and conclusions will form part of recommendations to the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) and the G20 countries, in line with the United Nations’ “Space2030” agenda.
INTRODUCTION
The theme of the Space20 engagement group is SPACE AS A CATALYST FOR INCLUSIVE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Policy, Partnership, and Prosperity.
This theme has been chosen in line with South Africa’s overarching theme for its G20 Presidency: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development’ that ‘aims to mobilise the countries of the world towards taking practical steps that will resolve global challenges while strengthening international cooperation within a rules-based system’. Most importantly, this theme supports the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) theme of “Open innovation for a just and sustainable development”, aimed at strengthening international north-south cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).
PRIORITIES AND DELIVERABLES
The priorities and deliverables outlined below establish a comprehensive approach to maximising the potential of space technology for inclusive global development, providing the necessary frameworks, funding, and partnerships to drive meaningful and sustainable progress in global economic development.
PRIORITIES
The G20 Heads of Space Agencies will prioritise the following:
Aligning national and international space policies with the SDGs, focusing on areas where space technology can directly impact climate action, agriculture, disaster response, and infrastructure development. By embedding space solutions into these global priorities, G20 nations aim to create cohesive, mutually beneficial policies that advance the shared objectives of sustainable growth and resilience.
Recognizing the role of the private sector in making space data and technology accessible, the space leaders will underscore the need for a formal Framework for Public-Private and Academic Partnerships. This framework will promote joint initiatives across governments, industry partners, and academia, enabling technology-sharing agreements, research collaboration, and skills development programs that bolster capacity to advance economic development.
Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM)
We recognize the growing global food insecurity, intensified by the increasing exposure to climate change hazards such as floods, droughts, pests, and diseases, particularly pronounced in the African region and other developing and least developed economies. We also recognize the impact that conflicts around the World can have on food production distribution and food security.
We commend GEOGLAM’s significant contributions and ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance agricultural and food security monitoring and market transparency using Earth Observations. We reaffirm our strong support for GEOGLAM and call upon all G20 nations to increase both financial and in-kind contributions to GEOGLAM, ensuring it meets the critical need for strengthened global food security.
Emphasising the importance of developing a skilled workforce that includes women, youth, and underrepresented communities in the space sector. This priority focuses on educational partnerships, training programs, and academic exchanges to build capacity and ensure that space technology’s benefits are equitably accessible. These efforts align with broader G20 commitments to foster gender equality and inclusivity.
To ensure long-term access and responsible use of space, space leaders will explore the need for sustainable practices in satellite deployment, data sharing, and debris management. By setting standards for ethical space operations, G20 nations will promote a secure and sustainable space environment, protecting access for current and future generations.
DETAILS
A declaration/Statement formalizing G20 nations’ commitment to support inclusive and sustainable development through space activities. This declaration/statement will outline shared principles for cooperation, funding, and sustainable practices, serving as a framework for future collaboration.
A formal structure designed to enhance collaboration between governments, the private sector, and academic institutions. This framework will promote initiatives in joint research (such as GEOGLAM), technology transfer, and workforce development, fostering a robust space science and technology capacity.
Agreement on guidelines for responsible and ethical practices in space activities, including satellite deployment and debris management. This commitment will ensure that G20 nations lead by example in maintaining a sustainable space environment that benefits all countries.
TENTATIVE CALENDAR
Legacy of Impact
