BIMSTEC Secretary General, H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, addressed the Opening Session, “Harnessing Space Applications for a Resilient and Inclusive Future through Enhanced Regional Cooperation”, of the 5th Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific on 28 October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Conference was co-organised by UNESCAP and the Royal Thai Government, with support from Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

In his remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of regional multilateralism and cooperation in addressing shared developmental and security challenges. He underscored the role of space-based technologies in strengthening disaster preparedness, enhancing early warning systems and promoting sustainable development. He also highlighted BIMSTEC’s decision to establish a Working Group on Space Cooperation to develop an Action Plan for cooperation in space applications and technologies, with India offering support to other member States in this field.