Context

Geospatial information pinpoints the physical location of objects on Earth and their relationships. It serves as a digital mirror of our world, encompassing data and technology, influencing diverse sectors. This data is vital for Earth-related information systems, enabling mapping and disaster modeling. Geospatial information is a cornerstone of national infrastructure, driving economic growth, security, sustainability, and prosperity through integrated government services.

Background

In response to globalization's impact on supply and demand, global collaboration is crucial to standardize and integrate geospatial information. The United Nations recognized this need in 2011, establishing the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Over its first 12 years, UN-GGIM has significantly influenced the global geospatial landscape, setting standards and strategies to support development from local to global scales. Geospatial information is fundamental, underpinning national priorities, development, and decision-making across all countries and sectors. Integrating geospatial data with other relevant information is essential for achieving local, national, and global goals, including sustainable development, COVID-19 recovery, and climate action outlined in the 2030 Agenda. To address the digital divide and empower nations, UN-GGIM created the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) to guide practical implementation and enhance the use of geospatial information and technologies, particularly benefiting developing countries. The goal is to ensure socio-economic prosperity while leaving no one behind.

Agenda

MODERATOR 
Mr. Stefan Schweinfest, Director, Statistics Division, UNDESA 

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs 

THE POWER OF GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION: ACCELERATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SDGS
Videos: Geospatial Voices of Africa 
South Africa (TBC) 
PVBLIC Foundation 
WK Kellogg Foundation 
UN Geospatial Network 
Video: Why The SDGs Matter 

WHAT EXACTLY IS GEODESY – WHY DO WE HAVE A GLOBAL GEODETIC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE? 
Video: The Global Geodetic Reference Frame 
Amb. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Oceans 
Video: Geodesy at the Top of the World 
Germany: Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence 

THE INTEGRATED GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION FRAMEWORK – KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY BUILDING 
Video: Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre 
China 
Belgium and/or Fiji (TBC) 
Mexico 
Video: UN-GGIM High Level Forum, Mexico, October 2024 

CLOSING REMARKS 
Mr. Stefan Schweinfest, Director, Statistics Division, UNDESA