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Cyprus Hosts UN’s New Space Office To Boost Disaster Response In The Eastern Mediterranean

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

Cyprus is making a significant leap onto the global stage in disaster management with the launch of a new space-based initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence paves the way for the creation of a Regional Support Office (RSO) for the UN’s UN-SPIDER program, aimed at harnessing satellite technology to tackle disasters in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

This strategic partnership will strengthen regional and global efforts to use space-based tools for disaster management and risk reduction. The ERATOSTHENES CoE, known for its cutting-edge research in satellite and airborne remote sensing, will host the new RSO, bringing its advanced expertise to the UN-SPIDER network.

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The new office will focus on offering technical advisory support, capacity-building in space technology, and sharing knowledge from Earth Observation data to mitigate the impact of disasters. The RSO will also play a key role in providing real-time assistance during emergencies, ranging from earthquakes and forest fires to floods and coastal erosion.

Dr. Marios Tzouvaras, Research Coordinator at ERATOSTHENES CoE, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that the center’s extensive research in satellite imagery and data analysis will play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction. “Our collaboration with UNOOSA will allow us to apply our long-term scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, not just for Cyprus but for the entire region,” Tzouvaras said.

With the agreement set to begin in February 2025, Cyprus is poised to become a central node in UNOOSA’s mission to bring space-based disaster response solutions to the global community. This partnership marks a crucial step in the evolution of disaster management, leveraging the power of space to save lives and reduce risks across multiple regions.

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Cyprus Starts Selection Process For Board Roles In Semi-Public Organisations

Strategic Transition Ahead Of 2026

The Government of Cyprus has launched a process to appoint new board members across semi-public organisations and advisory councils ahead of term expirations in 2026. The selection is conducted through the Expert Advisory Council mechanism, which is used to evaluate candidates and support appointment decisions.

Robust Application Process

Konstantinos Letympiotis said that 1,241 applications were submitted during the first implementation of the process in 2023. Applications covered board positions across 13 organisations, reflecting interest from professionals in public sector governance roles.

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Expanding Opportunities Across Leading Institutions

The current process includes 94 board positions across 12 organisations. Institutions involved include the Public Gas Company (DEFA), THOK, the Licensing Authority, the Urban Planning Council, RIK, HA EK, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation, ATHEK, KOA, the Port Authority, the Cyprus Land Development Organisation, and the Construction and Technical Contractors Council. These roles cover sectors such as energy, culture, infrastructure, and public administration.

Clear Timelines And Evaluation Criteria

Applications will open on April 3, 2026, with submissions accepted until April 24, 2026, through an online platform. The Expert Advisory Council will assess candidates based on defined criteria and prepare a shortlist with three candidates per position. That shortlist will be submitted to the Cabinet for final selection. Interviews may also be conducted as part of the evaluation process.

An Invitation To Qualified Professionals

Authorities invited eligible candidates to submit applications for the available positions. The process is aimed at filling upcoming vacancies and maintaining governance structures across public organisations.