The Indo-Pacific region, as the center of emerging geoeconomics and geopolitical dynamics, grapples with the emergence of non-traditional security challenges. These challenges extend to various sectors such as defense, communications, environment, and agriculture and extend to include space-related concerns. However, space science and technology applications (SSTA) have facilitated breakthrough achievements. The significance of these technologies cascades from mitigating the impacts of climate change, developing early-warning systems for disasters, ensuring food security through sustainable resource management, promoting maritime domain awareness, and boosting communications and internet connectivity through satellites among others.

To fully maximize the potential of SSTA and gear to respond to challenges brought on by climate change, natural disasters, marine biodiversity loss, and maritime security threats among others, cooperation among states is necessary as space cooperation holds significant implications for prosperity and stability in the region.

The Philippines is at the nascent stage of developing its space capacities through the creation of the Philippine Space Agency in 2019. The national space agency serves as the government’s primary instrument in crafting policies and developing programs to promote space science and technology in the country. More specifically, the agency is mandated to safeguard Philippine interests in space by spurring scientific growth and progress in the areas of national security, hazard management and climate studies, industry development, and international cooperation.

Through robust national policies, investment in talent and technology, and collaboration with partners, the Philippines can seize the opportunity to carve out a significant role in space exploration. To further this agenda, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and in collaboration with the Philippine Space Agency, hosted an in-person conference entitled, “Navigating the Frontiers of Global Space Collaboration and Promoting Space Science and Technology Applications Across Industries”, on 19 March 2024 (Tuesday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PHT).

The event gathered key experts from various sectors to exchange insights and ideas to shed light on critical aspects of building a resilient Philippine space ecosystem, fostering collaborative dialogue and innovative thinking to chart a path towards a sustainable and impactful space program for the nation.