Oran, Algeria, 22 February 2014 - Under the auspices of Algerian Prime Minister His Excellency Mr. Abdelmalek Sellal, Acting Head and Executive Director of UNITAR Ms. Sally Fegan-Wyles today signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) Director General Azzedine Oussedik. The event took place during the African High Level Conference on Green Economy in Oran.  Under this agreement, UNITAR’s UNOSAT programme and ASAL will collaborate on data exchange, training and capacity development related to applications of earth observation data and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Areas of collaboration include natural disaster management, disaster risk reduction and development. 

“This agreement allows for a close partnership between ASAL and UNOSAT. It allows us to transfer our knowledge on for example rapid mapping to the national level focussing on practical applications and operational services”, said UNOSAT Manager Einar Bjorgo who discussed implementation of the agreement with ASAL DG Oussedik. “I am very pleased to have signed this agreement with ASAL”, said UNITAR Executive Director Ms Fegan-Wyles, “as it is a good complement to our existing initiatives and collaboration with the Government of Algeria”.

Photo: UNITAR Executive Director (seated, left) signs agreement with Algeria Space Agency Director (seated, right) under auspices of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Sellal (standing, centre)