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

As one of the founding members and the committee members of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the Republic of Korea has long been a committed supporter of GEO, actively participating in shaping the future of Earth observation to address the critical challenges of our time. As we enter the next phase of GEO’s work under the Post-2025 Strategy, Korea reaffirms its dedication to strengthening the global Earth Observation (EO) network and contributing to the sustainable development of our planet.

The establishment of Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) last year marks a new chapter in Korea’s satellite capabilities. With the dedicated government agency for the aerospace sector, Korea is preparing for more active participation in GEO, further strengthening Korea’s role in international EO collaboration and the development of sustainable, equitable solutions to global challenges.

In line with GEO's vision of providing equitable access to Earth Intelligence, Korea continues to engage with local, national, regional, and international partners to enhance the value and application of EO data. Our efforts in EO focus on key areas of national priority and global significance:

1. National Coordination and Policy Integration: Korea has made significant progress in reinforcing national coordination mechanisms for EO. We have developed a comprehensive strategy for integrating EO data across key sectors such as disaster management, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management, ensuring that data is readily accessible to decision-makers at all levels.

2. Satellite Data Services and Infrastructure: Korea is enhancing its satellite data infrastructure to support a broad range of applications. Our national space program, including the KOMPSAT series and upcoming satellite missions, provides crucial data for monitoring environmental changes, urbanization, and natural disasters. We are also advancing AI-powered satellite imagery analytics, leveraging EO data to generate Big Data, elevating the value of satellite data and enhancing its applicability across various industries. Moreover, Korea is firmly committed to expanding its EO capabilities, with a goal of operating over 50 national satellites by 2030, enhancing our ability to deliver precise, timely, and actionable satellite data.

3. Capacity Building and International Cooperation: Korea is committed to advancing capacity-building efforts within the GEO community and across the Asia-Oceania region. We actively participate in the Asia-Oceania Group on Earth Observations (AOGEO), supporting regional activities that bridge the digital divide and foster international collaboration. Beyond our national efforts, Korea plays a leading role in global cooperation by providing disaster and emergency satellite imagery through initiatives such as the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters and UN-SPIDER. These efforts are aimed at assisting developing countries in their disaster response and capacity-building, ensuring equitable access to critical satellite data during times of crisis.

4. Diversification and Advancing Public Services: Korea is diversifying and advancing public services by expanding the use of satellite data across various sectors, including land, weather, agriculture, forestry, and the marine sector. We are committed to ensuring that satellite data plays a pivotal role in improving public services, contributing to more informed decision-making and better management of national resources.

5. Future Engagement and the Post-2025 Strategy: Korea is focused on fostering the participation of the next generation and academia in GEO, while encouraging companies with innovative solutions to engage with the organization. Our goal is to contribute to the advancement of EO data analysis technologies, supporting member countries in enhancing their capabilities. We are fully committed to advancing the GEO Post-2025 Strategy, aligning with its vision to provide equitable access to Earth Intelligence for all. We aim to strengthen our participation in GEO’s initiatives, enhance satellite data infrastructure, and foster innovation across academia and the private sector, contributing to global efforts in sustainable development and addressing critical challenges.

Korea is dedicated to contributing to the GEO community’s vision of creating Earth Intelligence for All. We believe that by working together, we can harness the power of Earth observation to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with GEO members and partners as we move towards the implementation of the Post-2025 Strategy.