The existing Earth observations landscape is undergoing a period of significant change, including rapid growth of private sector participation, new data demands for AI/ML, and significant change to funding sources. Given the value of Earth observations to science and the economy and the cross-boundary nature of many Earth system challenges, understanding options for flexible and robust governance systems that support integrated, resilient, and sustainable Earth observations and that serve the needs of all participants is of critical importance. The breadth and heterogeneity of groups engaged with Earth observations presents governance and coordination challenges beyond the typical mechanisms employed for systems with a simpler, direct relationship between provider and user.
An issue paper will be prepared that elevates and synthesizes insights for governance and coordination systems to advance an effective and resilient globally integrated Earth observations system.
Specific topics to be discussed may include:

• Important characteristics of approaches to governance and coordination (e.g., structure, authority, accountability, flexibility, funding sources, representation/participation) that support sustainable and resilient Earth observations.
• Examples of existing domestic and international governance and coordination approaches applicable to collecting, stewarding, and enabling wide access to Earth observations, including mechanisms both within and outside the Earth observations community.
• Advantages and limitations of various governance approaches, considering in particular the implications of centralized vs distributed, formal vs voluntary, and system-wide vs application-specific approaches to coordination and governance (e.g., for hazard monitoring, or for a specific component of the Earth system).
• Key issues and considerations for advancing near-term governance and coordination for an integrated global Earth observations system.