GEO-20 Plenary, Session 7: Strengthening Private Sector Engagement to Deliver on GEO’s Vision

08 May 25, 14:00 - 15:30

GEO-20 Plenary, Session 7: Strengthening Private Sector Engagement to Deliver on GEO’s Vision

Watch Recording

Objectives

This Plenary session will highlight how private sector actors are aligning with the Post-2025 GEO Strategy Implementation Plan (2026-2030), bridging research and operations to deliver Earth Intelligence for All. It will showcase how commercial technologies, services, and global networks - grounded in scientific innovation - scale user-focused Earth observation solutions across climate, biodiversity, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and health. The discussion will examine how inclusive partnerships and advocacy expand GEO’s global reach, ensure equitable access, and support long-term sustainability - underscoring the private sector’s role as a strategic partner in fulfilling GEO’s vision. GEO delegations will be invited to interact with the panelists.

Moderator

Weronika Borejko, European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC)

Agenda:

  • Introductory remarks:
    • GEO Co-Chair, Stephen Volz, Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States
  • Keynotes
    • Giovanni Sylos Labini, CEO, Planetek Italia, EARSC Vice-Chairman
    • Francesco Longo, Head of Earth Observation Office and Deputy Director, Engineering and Technology Directorate, Italian Space Agency
  • Panel discussion with representatives from the private sector
    • Milena Lerario, CEO, e-Geos, Italy
    • Wang Jian, Founder, Alibaba Cloud, China
    • Patricia Cummens, Director of Government Strategy and Policy Solutions, ESRI, United States
    • Michael Breetzke, Director, Business Development, Swift Geospatial, South Africa
  • Industry pitch session: Innovative EO Solutions. Presentations from companies showcasing EO solutions aligned with GEO focus areas to leverage Public Private Partnerships
    • Tobias Leismann, Constellr, Germany
    • Mauro Manente, Latitudo40, Italy
    • Filippo Tonion, Tree, Italy
    • Jara Villanueva, AxelSpace, Japan
    • Ding Zonghua, Tianbo Electronics Information Technology, China
    • Claire Dufau, CLS Group, South Africa
    • Dexter Jagula, SkyWatch, Canada
  • Interventions from the floor and concluding remarks