Developing the computer programming skills in South Africa

The highly anticipated workshop, "Harnessing Space Technological Applications in Sustainable Urban Development using Julia Programming Language", commenced today, August 6, 2024. Co-organised by the AIR Centre, UNCTAD, and the South African National Space Agency, this three-day event focuses on equipping participants with essential skills to utilize satellite technology for sustainable urban planning and development. The workshop will focus on developing computer programming skills, particularly for women scientists, to utilize satellite imagery for generating and sharing knowledge crucial for sustainable urban development and disaster resilience. Participants will learn to leverage the Julia programming language, known for its high-performance scientific computing capabilities, to process and analyse Earth observation data. This initiative is part of a broader project to build capacities in developing countries, with a specific emphasis on addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The workshop will cover various aspects of Earth observation, including data acquisition, processing, visualisation, and classification. By bringing together experts from different countries and organizations, the event aims to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of Earth observation. This workshop represents a significant step towards empowering scientists, especially women, with the tools and skills needed to contribute to sustainable urban development through space technology applications. More information at: https://unctad.org/meeting/workshop-harnessing-space-technological-applications-sdgs-0