The International Symposium on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology – Health (IPSpace 2025) opened in Hainan Province, China on December 9, 2025, convening experts to explore how space technology can drive socio-economic development under the theme One Space, One Shared Home.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Piao Yangfan, told members of the symposium presidium that the SCO, reflecting the views of its member states, is working to build a shared vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and to advance dialogue on the idea of “One Earth. One Family. One Future.” She emphasized the need to keep outer space free of weapons and to adhere strictly to the existing legal framework that guarantees the exclusively peaceful use of space.
Piao Yangfan highlighted the central role scientific and technological innovation plays in sustainable development, stressing that countries of the Global South must take part on an equal footing in open and fair international cooperation. She said the SCO expects space technology to help close the digital divide, support disaster relief, respond to climate change and advance emergency medicine and telemedicine.
Noting the importance of coordinated governance, the SCO reiterated its readiness to continue collaboration with interested countries and international organisations, including the United Nations, to strengthen global governance mechanisms and space regulation so that space technology benefits all nations.
On the sidelines of the symposium, Piao Yangfan met with Luo Ge, chairman of the China Association of Remote Sensing and co-chair of the event. For countries such as Pakistan, delegates said, the practical applications of space technology in remote sensing, disaster management and telemedicine offer tangible benefits and opportunities for deeper cooperation with regional and international partners.
