It has been a packed and impactful week of activities at RCMRD. We successfully concluded the Regional Symposium 2026 – “Space Technologies for Humanity” (16–17 February) and immediately transitioned into the Regional Training on Space Technologies for Disaster Management and the Use of COS-2 and the Charter Mapper during Activations (17–20 February). Organized by RCMRD, the back-to-back engagements were held with the support of the @UNOOSA) through the @UN_SPIDER programme, the University of Bonn – Centre for Remote Sensing of Land Surfaces @ZFL, and the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters. From high-level Disast3r risk reduction dialogue to hands-on operational training, participants strengthened their capacity to activate the Charter through the COS-2 web platform and mapping using the Charter Mapper, translating EO data into actionable information for disaster response. #DisasterManagement @czaran #chartermapper @DisastersChart

At the Regional Symposium | Space Technologies for Humanity held in Nairobi, Kenya (16–17 February), Mr. Lorant Czaran, Chief- UN-SPIDER, emphasized the critical role of sustained institutional capacity in disaster management using space-based technologies. “True readiness comes from institutions that maintain expertise over time. This enables countries to access satellite data, analyse it, validate results, and integrate insights into decision-making-strengthening national ownership of disaster response.” He further highlighted the importance of preparing countries to be “Charter-ready” under the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters, allowing national institutions to request satellite support directly during emergencies, reducing delays, and ultimately saving lives @czaran @lorieninnes @UNOOSA @UN_SPIDER @EsriEA @ZFLbonn @esa