Tentative programme as of 10 March 2011
Additional information for participants: English version, Spanish version
Information for participants who are funded by the co-organizers of the Conference (accommodation and meeting at airport)
Please review carefully the information note to get the latest information on the venue of the workshop, transportation, accommodation, etc.
Please use below links for online application for the Conference. We strongly encourage all candidates to apply for the Conference online, as it helps us to streamline the processing of applications as well as helps applicants to save their time.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), the Government of Argentina, European Space Agency (ESA) and the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) are jointly co-organizing the above Conference to promote the use of space technology for benefits of the developing countries.
The Conference will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 14 to 18 March 2011, and it will be hosted by Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE) on behalf of the Government of Argentina.
The Conference is the second international event focusing on water-related issues in the series of meetings organised in co-operation with, and with financial assistance of, the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) and European Space Agency (ESA). The first UN/UNESCO/Saudi Arabia International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2008
Space technologies, including satellite remote sensing technology in particular, have demonstrated proven capabilities in meeting challenges of water resource management, as rapid population growth and development pressures continue to impose additional stresses on scarce resources. Continuous Earth observations from space are crucial to manage water resources for the benefit of mankind and the environment, as well as to provide important forecasting services to prevent water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.
Remote sensing satellites provide data on several key water-related variables (for example, rainfall, precipitations, water storage, soil moisture and evaporation) using spatial and temporal scales that are appropriate for reliable assessment. A satellite-based approach to assessment and management of water resources is especially important in countries and regions of the world where adequate hydrological networks do not exist.
Earth observation from space, complimented with other applications, is a cost-effective method for effective management of resources and providing essential data to decision- makers. Once converted into practical information, these data on water resources provided by satellites could be used to formulate policy and implement programmes at the national, regional and international levels, including those of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other entities of the United Nations system.
The Conference will address these issues, and will discuss how space technology can contribute in better management of water resources, including combating desertification, ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing water-related emergencies in developing countries, with the following primary objectives:
The Conference will be composed of a series of technical presentations with sufficient time set aside for discussions. Technical sessions will be followed by open discussions, which will focus on specific topics of interest and will provide additional opportunities for participants to voice their opinions.
The programme of the Conference may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
The Conference discussions will consider ways of expanding the use of space technologies and information/data for better water resources management, as well as will identify the priority areas where pilot projects could be launched and will examine possible partnerships that could be established.
The Conference will also feature the special "Water Prize Day" session which will be organized by PSIPW as an exclusive event within the framework of the Conference, and with participation of Prize winners and top level government officials from Argentina.
Participants of the Conference are encouraged to make presentations on the topics suggested above, as well as to participate actively in all discussions.
The Conference is being planned for a total of 100 - 150 decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and educators drawn from the following groups: international, regional, national and local institutions, academic institutions, multi-lateral and bi-lateral development agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and also from private industry. Experts and professionals from both space-related and water management institutions will be invited, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen networks and partnerships that will contribute to the increased use of space technology-based solutions for water resources management.
Applicants must have a university degree and well-established professional working experience in a field related to the theme of the Conference. Applicants should be in managerial, decision-making, technical or academic positions within governmental agencies, international, regional and national institutions, universities, NGOs or private industry with responsibilities for carrying out programmes or projects in the areas related to the theme of the Conference.
Applicants who demonstrate that the Conference is central to his/her professional activities/responsibilities will be selected on a priority basis.
Equally qualified female applicants are particularly encouraged.
The co-sponsors of the Conference will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Selected funded participants will be notified by 15 January 2011.
The Conference will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the facilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, from 14 to 18 March 2011 .
All selected and invited participants will receive an information package with details on boarding, lodging and other local arrangements.
The working language of the Conference will be English. Interpretation to/from Spanish will be provided by local co-organizers.
Selected participants who are funded by the cosponsors of the Conference will be required to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 to 20 minutes on topics relevant to the Conference objectives and the programme. Presentations on actual on-going projects will be of particular interest to organizers of the Conference. It is expected that selected participants will submit their full papers/presentations to organizers by the end of January 2011.
The best papers presented at the Conference will be published at the special section of the Water Portal run by PSIPW.
Within the limited financial resources available, a number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the Conference. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip air ticket - most economic fare - between the airport of international departure in their home country and Buenos Aires, Argentina) and/or room and board expenses for the duration of the Conference.
Due to limited availability of financial support, not all participants can be funded. In this respect, applicants and their nominating organizations are strongly encouraged to find additional sources of sponsorship to allow them to attend the Conference.
Funded participants will receive detailed information upon notification of their selection.
All applicants are encouraged to use the online application forms to apply for participation in the Conference (use the links below).
In a case of application through traditional - "hard copy" - forms, the completed application form, properly endorsed by applicant's government/ institution, should be mailed to:
Office for Outer Space Affairs United Nations Office at Vienna Vienna International Centre P.O. BOX 500 A‑1400 Vienna, AUSTRIA Fax: (+43‑1) 26060‑5830 E-mail: unpsa@unvienna.orgto reach the Office no later than 6 January 2011 . The applicant may also submit the original of his/her application through the Office of the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the applicant's respective country.
In either cases, an advance copy of the application form should be e-mailed or faxed directly to the Office for Outer Space Affairs .
Applications received later then the deadline will be considered, but applicants will not be eligible for financial support.
Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or his/her institution or government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidental events.
UN-OOSA :Mr. Sergei ChernikovUnited Nations Programme on Space Applications Office for Outer Space Affairs United Nations Office at Vienna Phone: +43 1 26060 4948 Fax: +43 1 26060 5830 E-mail: sergei.chernikov@unoosa.org |
CONAE :Ms. Ana MedicoComisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE) Av.Paseo Colon 751, C1063ACH Buenos Aires, Argentina Fax: +54 11 4331 3446 E-mail: amedico@conae.gov.ar |
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PSIPW :Mr. Ali-Wafa Abu-RishehPSIPW Phone : +966 50 343 9478 E-mails: aliwafa@gmail.com, aliwafa@ksu.edu.sa http://www.psipw.org |