Leads Group

©FAO/Sean Gallagher
©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

GFOI is guided by a Leads Group functions as a quasi-board for the Initiative. They consult frequently with one another and make decisions by consensus.

Specifically the Leads Group undertake the following activities:

  • Set the strategic vision for the GFOI
  • Identify, consider and endorse collaborative activities under the Initiative
  • Endorse work plans and other proposals
  • Facilitate resource availability for collaborative activities, including harmonized work planning and implementation
  • Ensure the activities of their home agencies are coordinated to the greatest extent possible 
  • Monitor progress against work plans and ensure that GFOI support is targeted at country priorities and is helping to accelerate progress and delivering efficiencies
  • Conduct other management and oversight controls over the GFOI as required.

The Leads Group currently comprises representatives from the governments of Australia, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as the international Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Bank.

Each member of the Leads Group is responsible for ensuring that their organization actively participates in the coordination activities of the initiative and seeks to harmonize its support to developing countries with other partners. The group meets in person twice a year and monthly by teleconference.

Membership of the Leads Group is based on significant financial or in-kind contributions and/or efforts to coordinate large-scale activities through the initiative. The group is open to new members that meet these criteria.

The Leads Group is supported administrative by the GFOI Office.