3 November 2022, Accra, Ghana - The Group on Earth Observation and the Earth Observations for Sustainable Development Goals (EO4SDG) Initiative announced the winners of the 2022 GEO SDG Awards at GEO Week 2022. The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) received the GEO Participating Organization Award for its Emergency Mapping service, recognizing the productivity, innovation, novelty and exemplary efforts in the use of Earth observations to support sustainable development. Launched in 2019, this annual award is presented to those making an impact on the 17 "Sustainable Development Goals."

Set by the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these 17 goals provide a universal set of priorities to use as a blueprint of action for people, the planet, and prosperity. Earth observations, geospatial data, and the information they provide play insightful roles in monitoring targets, tracking progress, as well as helping nations and stakeholders make informed decisions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The annual GEO SDG award celebrates progress toward managing or achieving an "SDG Target" and/or producing an "SDG Indicator" through Earth observations.

The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) is part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with a mandate to provide United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies with satellite analysis, training and capacity development, at their request, as well as to support Member States with satellite imagery analysis over their respective territories and to provide training and capacity development in the use of geospatial information technologies.

Since 2003, UNOSAT’s Emergency Mapping service provides satellite image analysis during humanitarian emergencies related to disasters, complex emergencies, and conflict situations. With a 24/7 year-round availability to process requests, the team of experienced analysts ensure timely and tailored delivery of satellite imagery derived maps and products, as well as GIS data for evidence-based decision making and operational planning. The products from UNOSAT’s Emergency Mapping service play a large role in the integration for local and regional authorities and are key to strengthening disaster and climate resilience, supporting humanitarian action and sustainable development policies.