Between 17 and 22 November 2025, ESPI participated in the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) in Cebu, Philippines co-organised by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Philippines Space Agency (PhilSA).
This participation underscores ESPI’s commitment to fostering strategic cooperation between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, consistent with our vision of a strong Europe as a partner to the world.
A platform for regional and inter-regional cooperation
APRSAF, the largest space-related forum in the Asia-Pacific region, brings together space agencies, governmental bodies, and international organisations under a shared commitment to advance space capabilities for sustainable development and security. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,” reflects the growing recognition that space cooperation must translate into tangible outcomes that serve both regional and global priorities.
For Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, this moment is particularly significant. Both regions are spacefaring actors with complementary capabilities, shared values, and a mutual commitment to leveraging space for economic prosperity, scientific advancement, and security. As threats to space assets grow and opportunities expand, the need for structured, strategic partnerships has never been greater.
From dialogue to action: ESPI’s long-term engagement in the Asia-Pacific region is fostering stronger partnerships
ESPI’s engagement at APRSAF reflects a maturing relationship between Europe and the Asia-Pacific space community. Since 2018, ESPI and the APRSAF Secretariat have co-organised the Inter-Regional Space Policy Dialogue, an initiative designed to promote mutual understanding of space policy development and implementation across both regions. Now in its fifth edition, the dialogue has evolved from an initial exchange of perspectives into a platform for crafting actionable recommendations. This year marks a milestone: for the first time, the Inter-Regional Space Policy Dialogue was held during the 31st APRSAF annual meeting. ESPI’s Associate Manager and Lead on International Engagement, Marco Aliberti, facilitated discussions on international space exploration activities, bringing together government representatives, space agencies, and private sector actors from both regions to identify common priorities and pathways for collaboration.
Next to the Inter-Regional Dialogue, ESPI’s participation at APRSAF also addressed:
- Earth observation and geospatial services: at the side event organised by Digital for Development Hub, European Space Agency, Philsa, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and BRIN on “EO Partnerships in Action: Europe and Southeast Asia Together to Expand Geospatial Services,” with ESPI keynote highlighting the practical benefits of multi-stakeholder cooperation for EO data uptake in the ASEAN region.
- Regulatory harmonisation and standardisation: recognising that the growth of space activities demands compatible frameworks, ESPI joined panel discussion at the Space Capability Working Group on the importance of regulatory harmonisation and standardisation.
Space exploration: as both Europe and Asia-Pacific nations expand their ambitions beyond Earth orbit, coordination on exploration strategies and technology development, will be crucial. The 5th edition of Inter-Regional Dialogue’s, held in cooperation with the APRSAF Space Frontier Working Group, addressed these challenges.
Europe and the Asia-Pacific region face common challenges: ensuring space security, managing orbital congestion, addressing climate change through space-based data, and harnessing space for inclusive economic growth. These challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. They require partnerships grounded in mutual respect, shared objectives, and a commitment to multilateral cooperation.
– Marco Aliberti, ESPI Associate Manager and Lead on International Engagement.
ESPI’s participation at APRSAF reflects a broader strategic vision: that Europe’s strength in space is amplified through meaningful partnerships with other spacefaring regions. As both Europe and the Asia-Pacific define their long-term strategies, the forums, dialogues, and working relationships established through initiatives like APRSAF will prove essential.
ESPI remains committed to deepening its collaboration with the APRSAF community and expanding avenues for meaningful cooperation between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. We welcome interested organisations, space agencies, and stakeholders to reach out to explore potential partnership opportunities that advance our shared objectives in space.
About APRSAF: The Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) is co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Philippines Space Agency (PhilSA). More information: www.aprsaf.org
Partner organisations involved in ESPI’s APRSAF activities include: D4D Hub, European Union Delegation to Indonesia/ASEAN, Thailand and the Philippines, European Space Agency (ESA), Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand (GISTDA), Philippines Space Agency (PhilSA), Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), Australian Space Agency (ASA), Italian Space Agency (ASI), and UK Space Agency (UKSA).
