Group on Earth Observations – GEO Global Forum 2025 & GEO-20 Plenary

On behalf of the Australian Earth observation community, it is a pleasure to provide our national statement for the GEO Global Forum 2025 in Rome, Italy.

Australia is an active and committed member of GEO and the international Earth observation community. We are pleased to endorse GEO’s post-2025 Work Programme and the Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP). These documents provide pathways to action and a lens through which we can see GEO’s vision of Earth Intelligence applied as an essential, powerful tool in urgently tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Australia continues to partner with the international Earth observation community through engagement in GEO Work Programme projects across several thematic areas, including GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM), GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), Geo Land Degradation and Neutrality and AquaWatch. These programs connect Australia’s technology, science and space communities with international partners, increasing Australia’s connectivity with the global EO product and service markets. At the same time, Australia's contributions through GEO showcase our EO capability and leadership enriching the global value chains.

Through Digital Earth Australia, we continue to leverage data and digital technology to deliver dynamic, time-series satellite imagery that measures and monitors changes to lands and coasts. This technology is being applied to Antarctica and is now also being utilised in the Pacific.

We are pleased that our joint advocacy with the Pacific Islands-based Participating Organisations resulted in dedicated objectives within the SIP that seek to enhance the participation of Small Island Developing States in GEO. This is essential to support GEO’s vision of Earth Intelligence for All.

Australia remains committed to fostering international collaboration, particularly within the Oceania region, and will continue to advocate for our region’s priorities within GEO. We recognise the crucial role Earth Intelligence plays in addressing the impacts of climate change, and appreciate the significant efforts of Pacific Island governments and regional intergovernmental institutions to enhance the access to, and use of, EO and geospatial information in the Pacific. Together, these collaborative efforts are essential for building resilience and supporting sustainable development.

In November 2025 the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Chair will transfer from the UK Space Agency to an Australian Chair team consisting of CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia. We look forward to supporting the GEO Work Programme in this capacity.

Through GEO we have a unique ability to harness the power of Earth observation for all. As we reflect on 20 years of the group and look beyond 2025 to a vision of a more resilient and sustainable future, it is more critical than ever that we accelerate and embrace opportunities to connect policy makers, space agencies, data providers, and researchers from across the globe. Australia is pleased to continue membership in GEO and be part of the global effort to tackle our planet’s urgent challenges.

Alison Rose

Principal Representative to the Group on Earth Observations

Australian Government