Harnessing the power of space: Bridging innovation and the SDGs
From legal loopholes to breakthrough technologies, the global space community is charting a bold new course to make outer space a powerful ally in solving Earth’s most urgent challenges.
At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, experts gathered to explore how a growing and diversifying space ecosystem can be harnessed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moderated by Alexandre Vallet from ITU, the panel highlighted how space has evolved from providing niche satellite connectivity to enabling comprehensive systems that address environmental, humanitarian, and developmental challenges on a global scale.
Almudena Azcarate-Ortega of UNIDIR emphasised the importance of distinguishing between space security—focused on intentional threats like cyberattacks and jamming—and space safety, which concerns accidental hazards. She highlighted the legal gap in existing treaties and underlined how inconsistent interpretations of key terms complicate international negotiations.
Meanwhile, Dr Ingo Baumann traced the evolution of space law from Cold War-era compliance to modern frameworks that prioritise national competitiveness, such as the proposed EU Space Act.
Technological innovation also featured prominently. Bruno Bechard from Kineis presented how their IoT satellite constellation supports SDGs by monitoring wildlife, detecting forest fires, and improving supply chains across remote areas underserved by terrestrial networks. However, he noted that narrowband services like theirs face outdated regulatory frameworks and high fees, making market entry more difficult than for broadband providers.
Chloe Saboye-Pasquier of Ridespace closed with a call for more harmonised regulations. Her company brokers satellite launches and often navigates conflicting legal systems across countries.
She flagged radio frequency registration delays and a lack of mutual recognition between national laws as critical barriers, especially for newcomers and countries without dedicated space agencies. As the panel concluded, speakers agreed that achieving the SDGs through space innovation requires not just cutting-edge technology, but also cohesive global governance, clear legal standards, and inclusive access to space infrastructure.
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